The levator veli palatini is a palatal muscle that lies laterally of the choanae and is responsible for elevating the soft palate.

Origin: external cranial base on the inferior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone, additional fibers arise from the inferior aspect of the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube (Eustachian tube). The muscle passes medially to the upper margin of the superior constrictor and anterior to the salpingopharyngeus muscle.

Insertion: upper surface of the palatine aponeurosis.

Action: by activating on both sides during swallowing, the muscles elevate the soft palate so that it touches the posterior wall of the pharynx, thus separating the oropharynx from the nasopharynx.

Innervation: pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus.

Blood supply: ascending palatine artery - a branch of the facial artery, and the greater palatine artery - a branch of the maxillary artery.

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Levator veli palatini muscle