Articulatory System: Velopharyngeal Muscles

Question 1

Velopharyngeal closer muscles

Answer 1

Stiffens: Uvula
Elevates: Levator palatini
Constricts: Superior constrictor

Question 2

Velopharyngeal depressor muscles

Answer 2

Palatopharyngeus
Palatoglossus

Question 3

Auditory tube muscle

Answer 3

Tensor palatini

Question 4

Uvula Attachments

Answer 4

Palatine bone
Creates the landmark of the uvula

Question 5

Uvula Functions

Answer 5

Stiffens velum, and lifts it as a result

Question 6

Levator palatini Attachments

Answer 6

Temporal bone
Right and left side spread and joins at velum’s middle

Blends into the palatine aponeurosis of velum

Question 7

Levator palatini Functions

Answer 7

Pulls velum up and back (velopharyngeal closure)

Question 8

Palatopharyngeus Attachments

Answer 8

Palatine aponeurosis
Thyroid cartilage

Blends into pharyngeal wall

Visible as posterior faucial arch (palatopharyngeal arch)

Question 9

Palatopharyngeus Function

Answer 9

Lowers velum (Velopharyngeal mechanism open)

Question 10

Palatoglossus Attachments

Answer 10

Back side of tongue
Palatine aponeurosis

Visible as anterior faucial arch (Palatoglossal arch)

Question 11

Palatoglossus Function

Answer 11

Lowers velum (Velopharyngeal port open)

Question 12

Tensor palatini Attachments

Answer 12

Medial pterygoid
Near auditory tube

Question 13

Tensor palatini Functions

Answer 13

Opens auditory tube/eustachian tube