Hard palate (palatum durum)
The anterior part of the roof of the oral cavity is formed by the hard palate (palatum durum). Its bony framework (palatum osseum) is composed of the palatine processes of the maxillae anteriorly and the horizontal plates of the palatine bones posteriorly.
The mucous membrane of this zone has an important feature: it is firmly fused with the periosteum. Numerous palatine glands (glandulae palatinae) are located within the thickness of the mucosa. If looking at the palatal vault from below, the palatine raphe (raphe palati) runs strictly along the midline, ending anteriorly in a small elevation — the incisive papilla (papilla incisiva).
Soft palate (palatum molle)
The posterior section is the soft palate (palatum molle), also referred to as the palatine velum (velum palatinum). This is a mobile musculofibrous plate. The structure is based on a dense palatine aponeurosis (aponeurosis palatina), to which the muscles attach. Externally, this structure is covered by a mucous membrane.
The free edge of the velum hangs downward and ends centrally in the palatine uvula (uvula palatina). Two mucosal folds diverge laterally from the soft palate:
- anterior — the palatoglossal arch (arcus palatoglossus);
- posterior — the palatopharyngeal arch (arcus palatopharyngeus).
The soft palate plays a critical role in the act of swallowing, isolates the nasopharynx from the oral cavity, and is essential for proper speech articulation. Blood supply is provided by the descending and ascending palatine arteries, while innervation is supplied by the greater and lesser palatine nerves, as well as the nasopalatine nerves.
Palatine tonsil (tonsilla palatina)
Nestled in the recess between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches is the palatine tonsil (tonsilla palatina). This is a paired, bean-shaped organ that performs an immune function.
On the pharyngeal side, the tonsil is surrounded by a fibrous lining, the tonsillar capsule (capsula tonsillaris), and lies in close proximity to the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx (m. constrictor pharyngis superior). The internal surface of the organ is uneven, pitted with tonsillar pits (fossulae tonsillares) that lead deeper into the tonsillar crypts (criptae tonsillares). Lymphoid nodules are located precisely within these recesses.
Blood supply to the tonsils comes from the ascending and descending palatine arteries, as well as the tonsillar branch of the facial artery. Innervation is provided by branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves through the pharyngeal plexus.
Muscles of the palate and fauces
The movements of the soft palate, assistance in swallowing, phonation, and ventilation of the auditory tube are the functions of a specialized muscular apparatus. It comprises five muscles:
- Tensor veli palatini muscle (m. tensor veli palatini). Originates from the scaphoid fossa of the sphenoid bone and the cartilage of the auditory tube, hooks around the pterygoid hamulus, and inserts into the aponeurosis. It tensions the palate and the pharyngeal part of the auditory tube.
- Levator veli palatini muscle (m. levator veli palatini). Arises from the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone. It elevates the soft palate, narrowing the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube.
- Muscles of the uvula (mm. uvulae). Originate from the posterior nasal spine and the palatine aponeurosis. They shorten and elevate the uvula.
- Palatoglossus muscle (m. palatoglossus). Located within the anterior arch, originating from the root of the tongue. It narrows the fauces by pulling the arches toward the tongue.
- Palatopharyngeus muscle (m. palatopharyngeus). Located within the posterior arch, extending from the pharyngeal wall and thyroid cartilage. It approximates the arches and pulls the larynx and pharynx upward during swallowing. Some of its bundles form the salpingopharyngeus muscle.
Blood supply to all muscles is provided by the palatine arteries.
Innervation of the soft palate muscles: all muscles receive branches from the pharyngeal plexus (cranial nerves IX and X), EXCEPT one — the m. tensor veli palatini. It is innervated by a separate branch from the trigeminal nerve (mandibular nerve, n. mandibularis).
Class and exam questions
What forms the bony framework of the hard palate?
It is formed by the union of the palatine processes of the maxillae and the horizontal plates of the palatine bones.
Where are the palatine tonsils located?
They lie in the recess (tonsillar fossa) between two mucosal folds: the palatoglossal arch anteriorly and the palatopharyngeal arch posteriorly.
How are the muscles of the soft palate innervated?
Almost all muscles of the soft palate are innervated by the pharyngeal plexus (branches of cranial nerves IX and X). The exception is the tensor veli palatini muscle, which is innervated by the mandibular nerve.
What else to study on this topic
- Topography and venous drainage of the palatine tonsils
- Detailed course of the muscle bundles of the m. tensor veli palatini and m. levator veli palatini
- Lymphatic system and structure of the palatine tonsil crypts
- Features of the mucous membrane innervation of the hard palate (greater and lesser palatine nerves)
- Interrelation of the soft palate muscles with the ventilation of the auditory (Eustachian) tube
Study the complete topic in the Anatomy course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on the hard and soft palate and 1,363 other pages of the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 295 video lessons by subject
Other topics in "Splanchnology / Digestive System"
Free video lessons: AnatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.