This document provides an overview of the anatomy of the tongue and palate. It begins with the embryological development of the tongue, describing how swellings in the floor of the mouth merge to form the structure. It then details the anatomy of the tongue, including its parts such as the apex, body and root. It discusses the musculature of the tongue including both extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. It also describes the arterial blood supply from the lingual artery and venous drainage of the tongue. In summary, the document is a comprehensive review of the development, structures, muscles, vasculature and innervation of the tongue and palate.

1. Presented by:-
Dr Jayesh
1° year MDS
TONGUE AND
PALATE

2. 1. Introduction
2. Embryology
3. Anatomy of the tongue
4. Musculature
5. Arterial supply
6. Venous drainage
7. Lymphatics
8. Nerve supply
9. Anomalies
10. Applied aspects
TONGUE
CONTENTS

3. 1. Introduction
2. Development
3. Hard palate
4. Structures on hard palate
5. Soft palate introduction
6. Soft palate musculature
7. Structure of soft palate
8. Arterial supply
9. Venous drainage
10. Nerve supply
11. Bibliography
PALATE

4. TONGUE OR LINGUA
INTRODUCTION
TONGUE IS A MUSCULAR
ORGAN
SENSE OF
TASTE
SPEECH
MASTICATION
DEGLUTITION

5. INTRODUCTION
CONTD......
SITUATION
IN THE
CURVE OF
THE
MANDIBLE
FLOOR OF THE
MOUTH
IS MADE UP OF
APEX
BODY
ROOT
CURVED
DORSUM
INFERIOR
SURFACE

6. EMBRYOLOGY

7. First , a midline swelling
( Tuberculum Impar) arises in the midline
of mandibular process and is flanked by
two other swellings, the Lateral Lingual
Swellings
Local proliferation of the mesenchyme give
rise to a number of swellings in floor of the
mouth
Begins to develop at about 4 weeks of
gestation

8. Mucous membrane of the Anterior Two
Thirds Of The Tongue
Enlarge & form a large mass
Very quickly these Lateral Swellings
enlarge & merge with each other and
Tuberculum Impar

12. MUSCLES
- OCCIPITAL
MYOTOMES.
- NERVE FROM
HYOGLOSSAL NERVE
CONNECTIVE TISSUE
- FROM LOCAL
MESENCHYM

13. LINGUAL PAPILLAE DEVELOPMENT
Appears towards end of eighth week.
 Vallate and Foliate Papillae appear first,
close to terminal branches of
glosspharyngeal nerve.
Fungiform papillae appear near
terminations of chorda tympani branch of
facial nerve
Filiform papillae develop during early
fetal period(10-11wks).

14. TASTE BUDS DEVELOPMENT
Develop during 11th -13th week
By inductive interaction between
epithelial cells of tongue and
invading gustatory nerve cells
from chorda tympani,
glossopharyngeal and vagus
nerve.

15. ANATOMY OF THE TONGUE

16. ROOT OF THE TONGUE
POSTERIOR
PART OF THE
TONGUE
ENTRY OF THE
NERVE AND
VESSELS

17. CONNECTIONS OF THE ROOT OF
THE TONGUE
HYOID BONE :- HYOGLOSSUS AND
GENIOGLOSSUS MUSCLE
EPIGLOTTIS:- 3 GLOSSOEPIGLOTTIC
FOLDS

18. CONTDD....
SOFT PALATE:-
GLOSSOPALATINE ARCHES
PHARYNX:- SUPERIOR
CONSTRICTOR

19. This forms the anterior free end which, at rest lies behind the upper incisor
teeth.
APEX OF THE TONGUE

20. BODY
A curved upper surface
or dorsum
An inferior surface.
Anterior
2/3rd
Posterior
1/3rd

21. DORSUM OF THE TONGUE

22. DORSUM OF THE TONGUE
Is convex
Divided into 2 equal
halves by median
sulcus
Foramen caecum
Sulcus terminalis. A v
shaped groove
Anterior 2/3rd
Posterior 1/3rd

23. INFERIOR SURFACE
Covered with a smooth mucus
membrane, which shows a
median fold called Frenulum
Linguae.
On either side of frenulum, there
is a Lingual Vein

24. lingual papillae
filiform papillae
fungiform papillae
foliate papillae
vallate papillae
PAPILLAE OF TONGUE

25. They are spherical or avoid groups of cells occupying pockets which extend
through the tongue epithelium and open on the free surface.
They are compared of modified epithelial cells arranged as spherical
masses within the epithelium covering the tongue. They are numerous on the
sides of vallate papillae. Each taste bud in made up of slender, spindle shaped
pale cells, some of which are gustatory and others are supporting cells. Each
bud opens on the surface of epithelium by an operative known as gustatory
pore through which gustatory hair made up of microvilli project. The base of
the bud is penetrated by the afferent gustatory nerve fibers.
TASTE BUDS

26. The tongue is divided into two symmetrical halves by a median fibrous
septum. Each half contains striated muscles which are arranged in two groups.
Extrinsic muscles
Intrinsic muscles.
MUSCULATURE

27. The extrinsic muscles originate from outside the tongue and are insured within
the tongue. They alter the position of the tongue and also alter the shape.
They have a bony attachment
the following are the extrinsic muscles:
Genioglossus
Hyoglossus
Styloglossus
Palatoglossus
EXTRINSIC MUSCLES

28. It is a fan shaped muscle and forms the
bulk of the tongue.
Origin: it originates from the superior
genial tubercles of the symphysis menti
of mandible.
Insertion:
Lowest fibers are attached to the body
of hyoid bone.
Intermediate fibers pass deep to the
hyoglossus and are inserted to the
dorsum of the tongue.
Upper fibers turn forward the upward
and are inserted into the tip.
Action:
It protrudes the tongue and makes the
dorsal surface concave from side to
side.
GENIOGLOSSUS

29. It is a quadrilateral muscle.
Origin: It arises from the upper surface of
the greater cornu and partly from the body
of the hyoid bone.
Insertion: The muscle passes upward and
slightly forward under cover of the
mylohyoid and is inserted into the side of
the tongue between the styloglossus
laterally and the inferior longitudinal
muscles medially.
Actions: It depresses the side of the tongue
and makes the dorsal surface convex.
HYOGLOSSUS

30. HYOGLOSSUS CONTDD…..
Relations:
Superficial/lateral relations:
Covered by mylohyoid
Between mylohyoid and hyoglossus the following
structures are situated from above downwards.
Stylogossus
Lingual nerve
Submandibular ganglion, which is suspended from the
lingual nerve by two roots.
Deep part of submandibular gland and its duct; the duct is
hooked at its lower margin from lateral to medial side by
the lingual nerve.
Hypoglossal nerve
Suprahyoid branch of first part of lingual artery.
Deep/medial relations:
Inferior longitudinal muscle, close to the insertion.
Middle constrictor of pharynx, record part of the lingual
artery – close to the origin.
Stylopharyngeus, glossopharyngeal nerve, stylohyoid
ligament and the junction of first and second parts of
lingual artery.

31. Origin: The muscle arises from the tip
of the styloid process and
stylomandibular ligament.
Insertion: It passes downward oral
forward, and is inserted to the side of
tongue; the oblique fibers
interdigitates with the hyoglossus and
the longitudinal fibers are continuous
with the inferior longitudinal muscle
of the tongue.
Action: It retracts the tongue backward
and upward; and is antagonistic to the
action of the genioglossus.
STYLOGLOSSUS

32. Origin: It takes origin from the
undersurface of palatine aponeorosis
Insertion: It passes downward and
formed in front of the tonsillar fossa
under cover of the palatoglossal arch,
and is inserted into the side of the
tongue in from of the sulcus
terminalis, forming with its fellow of
opposite cover of the palatoglossal
arch, and is inserted into the side of
the tongue in from of the sulcus
terminalis, forming with its fellow of
opposite side, the palatoglossal arch.
PALATOGLOSSUS

33. MUSCLE ORIGIN INSERTION INNERVATION FUNCTION
GENIOGLOSSUS
Superior
mental spines
Body of hyoid
Entire length of
tongue
Hypoglossal nerve
(XII)
Protudes tongue
Depress centre of
tongue
HYOGLOSSUS
Greater horn
& adjacent
part of body
of hyoid bone
Lateral surface
of tongue
Hypoglossal nerve
(XII)
Depress tongue
STYLOGLOSSUS
Styloid
process
(anterolateral
surface)
Lateral surface
of tongue
Hypoglossal nerve
(XII)
Elevates and
retracts tongue
PALATOGLOSSUS
Inferior
surface of
palatine
aponeurosis
Lateral margin
of tongue
Vagus nerve (X) Depress palate
Moves
palatoglossal fold
toward midline
Elevates back of
the tongue

34. The intrinsic muscles one wholely within the tongue and has no bony
attachment. These muscles alter the shape of the tongue these consists of
four pair of muscles:
Superior longitudinal muscle
Inferior longitudinal muscle
Transverses lingual
Verticals lingual
INTRINSIC MUSCLES

35. It lies beneath the muscles membrane
of the dorsal surface of the tongue.
Origin: Posterior part of the median
fibrous septum
Insertion: It diverges forwards and
laterally and are inserted into the sides
of the tongue.
Action:
Reduce length of the tongue
It curls the tip upwards and rolls it
posteriorly
SUPERIOR LONGITUDINAL
MUSCLE

36. It lies beneath the mucous membrane
of the under surface of the tongue,
deep to the insertion, of hyoglossus.
Origin: Posterior part of sides of the
tongue.
Insertion: Coverage forwards and gets
inserted into the anterior part of the
median fibrous septum.
Actions:
Widen the tongue
Curl the tip of the tongue inferiorly
INFERIOR LONGITUDINAL MUSCLE

37. It lies inferior to the superior
longitudinal muscles:
Origin: Arises from the median fibrous
septum
Insertion: Pass laterally through the
genioglossus are inserted to the side of
the tongue.
Action:
Narrows the tongue
Increases its height.
TRANSVERSES LINGUAE /
TRANSVERSE MUSCLE

38. Origin: arises from the lamina propria
of the dorsum of the tongue
Insertion: Passes downward through the
fibers of genioglossus and then curves
laterally for insertion into the sides of
the tongue.
Action:
Flatten the dorsum
Increases the transverse diameter of
the tongue.
VERTICALS LINGUAE / VERTICAL
MUSCLE

39. MUSCLE ORIGIN INSERTION INNERVATION FUNCTION
SUPERIOR
LONGITUDINAL
Submucosal
connective
tissue at the
back of
tongue &
median
septum of
tongue
Muscle fibers pass
forward &
obliquely to
submucosal
connective tissue
& mucosa on
margins
Hypoglossal nerve
(XII)
Shortens tongue
Curls apex and
sides of tongue
INFERIOR
LONGITUDINAL
Root of the
tongue
Apex of tongue Hypoglossal nerve
(XII)
Shortens tongue
Uncurls apex
and turns it
downward
TRANSVERSE Median
septum of
tongue
Submucosal
connective tissue
on lateral marigns
Hypoglossal nerve
(XII)
Narrows and
elongates tongue
VERTICAL Submucosal
connective
tissue on
dorsum
Connective tissue
in more ventral
regions of tongue
Hypoglossal nerve
(XII)
Flattens and
widens tongue

40. The chief blood supply of the tongue is derived
from the lingual artery
On each side, the lingual artery originates from the
external carotid artery in the neck adjacent to the tip
of the greater horn of the hyoid bone. It forms an
upward bend and then loops downward and
forward to pass deep to the hyoglossus muscle, and
accompanies the muscle through the aperture
formed by the margins of the mylohyoid, superior
constrictor, and middle constrictor muscles, and
enters the floor of the oral cavity.
The lingual artery then travels forward in the plane
between the hyoglossus and genioglossus muscles to
the apex of the tongue.
In addition to the tongue, the lingual artery supplies
the sublingual gland, gingiva, and oral mucosa in the
floor of the oral cavity.
ARTERIAL SUPPLY OF THE
TONGUE

41. Its origin is just caudal to the posterior
belly of digastric and the angle of
mandible. As it passes anteriorly it gives
off a tonsillar branch. The lingual artery
than travels deep to the posterior part of
the digastric tendon. It leaves the
submandibular triangle and passes
deep to the posterior border of the
hyoglossus muscle where it gives off a
small suprahyoid branch. Once caudal to
the hyoglossus muscle, the lingual artery
gives off the dorsal lingual artery, which
supplies the dorsum of tongue, vallecula,
epiglottis, and adjacent soft palate. The
ravine branch unites both dorsal lingual
arteries at the tip and provides a rich
plexus.
LINGUAL ARTERY

42. Once the lingual artery reaches the anterior edge of the hyoglossus muscles, it
divides in its terminal branch – the sublingual and the deep lingual artery. The
sublingual artery travels along the genioglossus and the sublingual gland and has an
extension anastomotic network with the contralateral sublingual artery. It supplies
the sublingual gland, the mylohyoid muscle and adjacent musculature. The deep
lingual artery courses anteriorly, deep to ventral mucosa. It gives off multiple
branches that ascend toward the dorsum of the tongue. Communication between
bilateral deep lingual arteries is seen posteriorly through the transverse lingual
artery as well as at the tip where the deep lingual arteries anastomose.

43. Venous tributaries accompanying the
lingual artery and its dorsal branches
forms the lingual vein. The venous return
from the lip is by the deep lingual veins,
visible on the each side of the midline on
the undersurface. It runs back superficial
to hyoglossus and is joined at the anterior
of hyoglossus by the sublingual vein to
form the vena comitans. It continuous
backwards close to the nerve and has a
variable ending, joining either the lingual,
facial or internal jugular veins. The lingual
vein usually joins the internal jugular vein
near the greater horn of the hyoid bone.
VENOUS DRAINAGE

44. LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Tip of tongue- Submental Nodes
Anterior 2/3rd – Submandibular Nodes
Posterior 1/3rd – Juglo-omohyoid Nodes
Posterior most - Upper Deep Cervical Lymph Nodes

45. A significant feature of the tongues lymph drainage, which is through the
floor of the mouth or pharyngeal wall, is that lymph from one side, especially
of the posterior part, may reach nodes of both sides of the neck. The tip may
drain to submental nodes or directly to deep cervical nodes.
Marginal lymphatics from the rest of the anterior part tend to drain to
ipsilateral submandibular nodes and ten or sometimes directly, to deep cervical
nodes. Central lymphatics from the anterior part descend between the
genioglossi and drain to deep cervical nodes of either side. The posterior part
drains directly and frequently bilaterally to deep cervical nodes. The deep
cervical nodes usually involved are the jugulodigastric and jugulo-omohyoid
nodes. All lymph from the tongue is believed to eventually drain through the
jugulo-omohyoid node before reaching the thoracic duct or right lymphatic
duct.

46. Nerve supply

47. Sensory supply:
From anterior two-thirds :
General sense, by the lingual nerve, special sense for taste except vallate
papillae, by the chorda tympani nerve.
From posterior one-third, inducing Vallate papillae:
Supplied by glossopharyngeal nerve, which convey both general and special
senses.
From the vallecula:
Supplied by the internal laryngeal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve from
the vagus.

48. Taste (SA) and general sensation from the
pharyngeal part of the tongue are carried by the
glossopharyngeal nerve [IX].
The glossopharyngeal nerve [IX] leaves the skull
through the jugular foramen and descends along
the posterior surface of the stylopharyngeus
muscle. It passes around the lateral surface of
the stylopharyngeus and then slips through the
posterior aspect of the gap between the superior
constrictor, middle constrictor, and mylohyoid
muscles. The nerve then passes forward on the
oropharyngeal wall just below the inferior pole
of the palatine tonsil and enters the pharyngeal
part of the tongue deep to the styloglossus and
hyoglossus muscles. In addition to taste and
general sensation on the posterior one-third of
the tongue, branches creep anterior to the
terminal sulcus of tongue to carry taste (SA) and
general sensation from the vallate papillae.
GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NERVE

49. General sensory innervation from the anterior two-thirds or
oral part of the tongue is carried by the lingual nerve, which
is a major branch of the mandibular nerve [V3]. It
originates in the infratemporal fossa and passes anteriorly
into the floor of the oral cavity by passing through the gap
between the mylohyoid, superior constrictor, and middle
constrictor muscles). As it travels through the gap, it passes
immediately inferior to the attachment of superior
constrictor to the mandible and continues forward on the
medial surface of the mandible adjacent to the last molar
tooth and deep to the gingiva. In this position, the nerve
can be palpated against the bone by placing a finger into the
oral cavity.
The lingual nerve then continues anteromedially across the
floor of the oral cavity, loops under the submandibular
duct, and ascends into the tongue on the external and
superior surface of the hyoglossus muscle.
In addition to general sensation from the oral part of the
tongue, the lingual nerve also carries general sensation from
the mucosa on the floor of the oral cavity and gingiva
associated with the lower teeth. The lingual nerve also
carries parasympathetic and taste fibers from the oral part
of the tongue that are part of the facial nerve [VII].
LINGUAL NERVE

50. The hypoglossal nerve [XII] leaves the skull through
the hypoglossal canal and descends almost vertically
in the neck to a level just below the angle of
mandible (Here it angles sharply forward around the
sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery,
crosses the external carotid artery, and continues
forward, crossing the loop of the lingual artery, to
reach the external surface of the lower one-third of
the hyoglossus muscle.
The hypoglossal nerve [XII] follows the hyoglossus
muscle through the gap between the superior
constrictor, middle constrictor, and mylohyoid
muscles to reach the tongue.
In the upper neck, a branch from the anterior ramus
of C1 joins the hypoglossal nerve [XII]. Most of
these C1 fibers leave the hypoglossal nerve [XII] as
the superior root of the ansa cervicalis (Fig. 8.251).
Near the posterior border of the hyoglossus muscle,
the remaining fibers leave the hypoglossal nerve
[XII] and form two nerves:
the thyrohyoid branch, which remains in the neck to
innervate the thyrohyoid muscle;
the branch to the geniohyoid, which passes into the
floor of the oral cavity to innervate the geniohyoid.
HYPOGLOSSAL NERVE

51. Taste from the oral part of the
tongue is carried into the central
nervous system by the facial nerve .
Special sensory fibers of the facial
nerve leave the tongue and oral cavity
as part of the lingual nerve. The
fibers then enter the chorda tympani
nerve, which is a branch of the facial
nerve that joins the lingual nerve in
the infratemporal fossa

52. Motor supply:
Somatomotor:
The twelfth cranial nerve supplies the extrinsic and intrinsic musculature of
the tongue except the palatoglossus, being essentially a palate muscle, is
supplied by the pharyngeal plexus.
Secretomotor: To the anterior lingual glands
Pre ganglionic fibers arise from the superior salivatory nucleus and pass through the facial, chorda
tympani and lingual nerves, and are relayed into submandibular ganglion. Post ganglionic fibers reach
the gland via the lingual nerve.
Vasomotor: These are derived from the sympathetic nerves which surround the lingual
artery and convey post ganglionic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion of the
sympathetic trunk.
NERVE SUPPLY

53. NERVE SUPPLY
Anterior 2/3rd Posterior 1/3rd Posterior most
Sensory nerve
supply
Lingual ( post
trematic branch
of 1st arch)
Glossopharyneal Internal
laryngeal branch
of vagus
Taste Chord tymphanic
(1st arch)
Glossopharyneal Internal
laryngeal branch
of vagus
MOTOR SUPPLY- All muscles except Palatoglossus-
Hypoglossal Nerve
Palatoglossus- Vagus Nerve

55. Macroglossia
Microglossia
Glossoptosis
Ankyloglossia
Bifid tongue / cleft tongue
Fissured tongue
Median rhomboid glossitis
Benign migratory glossitis
Hairy tongue
Lingual thyroid
ANOMALIES OF TONGUE

56. TONGUE FLAPS
The tongue is an excellent donor site for soft tissue oral reconstruction mainly
because of its abundant vascularity and the low morbidity associated with its
use.
The tongue flap tissue does become reinnervated from the adjacent host tissues, The tongue can
provide 90-100cm2 of mucosal surface for rotation.
An excellent axial and collateral circulation provides for flap viability.
Half of the tongue can be rotated for tissue coverage without compromising speech, mastication or
deglutition, as long as large piece of anterior tongue is preserved.
Because of its rich blood supply, the tongue can also be used in patients who have been irradiation.
APPLIED ASPECTS

57. Significance of vasculature in various designs of tongue flap:
There are varieties of tongue flaps and all rely on the excellent blood
supply. Four arterial vessels supply most of the tongue:
i) The super hyoid artery, which runs superior to the hyoid bone and
supplies the muscles attached to it.
ii) The dorsalis lingual artery, which supplies the posterior third of the
tongue.
iii) The sublingual artery, one of the two terminal branches which emerge
deep to the hyoglossus muscle to supply the floor of the mouth and sublingual
gland.
iv) The deep lingual artery, which is larger of the terminal branches and
passes to the tongue tip giving numerous branches.
The lingual artery is the main vessel supplying the tongue. Anastomotic
connections between the terminal lingual artery. The facial artery and tonsillar
branch of the palatine artery are present.

58. - In the posterior region of the tongue, the dorsal lingual branch of the lingual artery has a
submucosal connection with its contralateral dorsal lingual artery.
- The lateral portion of the tongue receives blood from branches of sublingual artery, which arises
at the anterior border of by hypoglossal muscle as a branch of the lingual artery.
- The sublingual artery connects with the submental artery, a branch of facial artery, and supplies
the lateral part of the tongue.
- Submucosal connections exist between the right and left submental arteries.
- The deep lingual artery gives off the ranine branch with it contralateral terminal connections
supplying the mobile portions of the tongue.
- The middle fibrous septum present an abundant interchange between the right and left side
vessels, but a few branches do cross the fibrous septum to provide contralateral perfusion and rich
anastomoses between these vessels.
- There are vascular arcades which often perforate the midline of the tongue
These observations and the successful clinical results indicate that midline tongue flaps can be used
successfully.
• Dorsal based tongue flaps get most of their vascular supply from an intact lingual artery. The rich
collateral circulation of the tongue prevents tongue flap death as long as the base of the flap and its design
allow for distal collateral circulation fall-off at the distal aspect of the flap.
• Lateral posterior based tongue flap is designed to pressure as much of the tongue tip as possible.
It is important to pressure the tip for speech and other functions.

59. RANULA
Intra cranial section of the ninth nerve for glossopharyngeal neuralgias produces
both an anesthesia and a loss of taste on the posterior third of the tongue.
In unilateral injury of the hypoglossal nerve, the tip of the tongue when protruded
tilts to the paralyzed side. This is due to the unopposed action of the opposite
genioglossus muscle. Muscles of the affected side undergo atrophy. During degultion
the larynx is deviated to the sound wide due to ipsilateral paralysis of the depressors
of the hyoid bone.
When the muscles are paralysis, or in the unconscious patient, the tongue may fall
backwards into the pharynx and obstruct respiration. In such cases head tilt-chin lift
technique is performed. As the tongue is attached to the mandible. (by genioglossus
muscle), lifting the chin will pull the tongue formed and off the posterior pharyngeal
wall.

60. Cancer of the tongue frequently metastasizes bilaterally, primarily because of
the rich lymphatics in the submucosal plexus, which freely communicates
across the midline. In addition, collecting lymphatic trunks, from the apex,
central and posterior groups have many collecting channels that cross over to
terminate in contralateral lymph nodes.
Malignancies of the tongue frequently grow to considerable size before
producing symptoms

61. PALATE

62.  The term palate refers to the roof of the mouth. (Latin. palate = roof of
the mouth)
 It separates the oral and nasal cavity.
PALATE

63. 3. The medial edges of the palatal processes fuse with the free lower edge
of the nasal septum, thus separating two nasal cavities, from each other
and from the mouth.
4. At later stage mesoderm in the palate undergoes intramembranous
ossification to form hard palate.
DEVELOPMENT OF PALATE

64. 5. However, ossification does not extend to the most posterior portion hence it
remains as the Soft palate.
6. Part of the palate developed from frontonasal process is Primary palate.
7. Part of palate developed from Palatal processes is Secondary palate.
Elevation of the palatine shelves occurs when tongue descends , which allows
their meeting in the midline and fusion.
DEVELOPMENT OF PALATE

66. •Its anterior 2/3rd
is formed by
Palatine processes
of Maxilla .
•Posterior 1/3rd is
formed by
Horizontal plates
of Palatine bone.
HARD PALATE-

67. The hard palate is covered by a mucous membrane which is attached to the
periosteum.
Deep to the membrane, there are mucus-secreting palatine glands.
The anterior mucous membrane has 3-4 transverse palatine folds called as
Rugae.
Rugae

68. Boundaries of Hard palate
Antero-lateral margins – Continuous with alveolar arches
and gingiva .
Posterior margins - Gives attachment to Soft Palate.
Superior Surface - Forms the floor of nasal cavity.
Inferior Surface – Forms the roof of the oral cavity.

69. ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES OF
HARD PALATE
Median palatine
suture

70. The incisive foramen - The opening of the incisive canal.
Neurovasculature -
-The Nasopalatine nerve
-The terminal branch of the Sphenopalatine artery
Greater palatine foramen -One opening of the palatine canal.
Neurovasculature -
-The Greater palatine nerve and vessels.
ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES OF
HARD PALATE

71. Lesser palatine foramen -Another opening of the palatine canal.
Neurovasculature -
-The Lesser palatine nerve and vessels.
Anatomical structures of Hard palate

72. Lymphatics –
They drain mostly to Upper deep cervical lymph
nodes and partly to Retropharyngeal lymph nodes .

73. The soft palate is a fibro muscular
contain which is suspended from the
posterior body of the hard palate and
project in backward and downward
direction, with its superior and
posterior surface towards the pharynx
and its inferior and anterior surface
towards the mouth
SOFT PALATE

74. It enables the mouth to the cut off from oral part of the pharynx as during
breathing with mouth full, or separating the oral and nasal part of the
pharynx. It is attached anteriorly to the hard palate but posteriorly it is free
with a short, conical, midline process, the uvula, hanging down from its
posterior border.

75. In the resting state i.e., relaxed and pendent its anterior part continues the
curvature of the hard palate, while the posterior part turns downwards,
following the curvature of the dorsum of the tongue. Laterally, it is
continuous with the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches, with which
and with the dorsum of the tongue, it forms the isthmus of fauces (operative
between the oral cavity and oro pharynx) superiorly, it forms the floor of the
nasal part of the pharynx.

76. Soft palate is a thick fold of mucosa enclosing on aponeurosis, muscular tissue,
vessels, nerves, lymphoid tissue and mucous glands, the glands lie deep to the oral
mucosa of the anterior part, where they are continuous with those of the hard
palate.
The epithelium on the upper surface is a pseudo stratified ciliated
columnar epithelium i.e., the respiratory mucosa, whereas on the lower surface, it
is lined by my nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium i.e. the oral mucosa.
The palatine aponeurosis is the flattened tendon of the tensor palate
muscle and forms the fibrous basis of the palate. Near the median plane the
aponeurosis splits to enclose the musculus uvulae. The levator palati and
palatopharyngeus lie on the superior surface of the palatine aponeurosis and the
palatoglossus lies on the inferior surface of the palatine aponeurosis.
The velum palatine is sometimes defined as the posterior portion of the
soft palate, but in practice the term is used as a synonym for soft plate

77. The muscles of the soft palate are derived from the mesoderm of the fourth
through the sixth bronchial arch with the exception of tensor veli palatine,
which is derived from the mesoderm of the first bronchial arch.
The soft palate is composed of fine muscles:
Tensor veli palatini
Levator veli palatini
Palatopharyngeus
Uvular / musculus uvulae.
MUSCLES OF THE SOFT PALATE

78. It is a fibrous sheet
attached to the posterior
border of the hard
palate.
It is a extended tendon
of Tensor veli palatini
and forms the fibrous
basis of the palate.
PALATINE APONEUROSIS
Spine of
Sphenoid
bone
Soft palate
Uvula
Musculus
Uvulae
Palatine
aponeurosis Pterygoid
hamulus
Tensor veli
palatini

79. Near median plane, the aponeurosis splits to enclose the musculus uvulae.
PALATINE APONEUROSIS

80. Origin: The muscles take origin from:
The scaphoid fossa of the medial
pterygoid plate.
The lateral and fibrous lamina of the
auditory tube.
The sulcus tubae and the spine of the
sphenoid bone.
Insertion: The muscle is triangular in
shape and converges below to form a
round tendon the tendon turns medially
around the lateral side of pterygoid
hamulus, from which it is separated by a
bursa. Finally the tendon reaches soft
palate for insertion as palatine
aponeurosis after passing through the
tendinous arch of the origin of the
buccinator muscle.
TENSOR PALATI

81. Action:
The main action of the tensor palati is to tense the palatine aponeurosis so that other
muscles may elevate or depress it without altering its shape.
When the tensor palati contracts (e.g., in swallowing and yawning) it pull upon the cartilage
of the auditory tube, opens the tube, and permits equalization of air pressure between the
middle ear and nose.
Applied anatomy  this action is impaired in children with cleft palate, who
hence have a higher incidence of middle can problems.
(It is said to dilate the auditory tube – hence it is known as dilator tubae).

82. Origin: This muscle arises from the
Quadrate area on the infection surface of the apex of
petrous temporal bone anterior to the carotid canal.
Carotid sheath
Medial lamina of the cartilaginous part of auditory tube.
Insertion: It forms a rounded belly that is inserted
into the nasal surface of the palatine aponeurosis
between the two heads of palatopharyngeus.
The two levator muscles in passing
down to the palate are directed forwards and
medially, together forming a V-shaped sling.
Action:
Their contraction pulls the palate upwards and
backwards to close the pharyngeal isthmus.
Contraction of the levator also opens the
cartilaginous tube and equalized air pressure
between the middle ear and the nose
LEVATOR PALATI

83. Origin-
From the undersurface of palatine
aponeursis, where it is continuous with
the muscle of opposite side.
Insertion-
It passes in front of tonsil and it is
inserted into the side of the tongue.
PALATOGLOSSUS

84. Origin: The muscle arises from two heads,
The anterior herd arises from the posterior border of the hard plate and the
anterior part of the upper surface of the palatine aponeurosis.
The posterior head arises further back on the upper surface of the aponeurosis.
Insertions: The two heads arch downwards over the lateral edge of the aponeurosis,
fair, and form or muscle that passes downwards beneath the mucous membrane
and submucosa of the lateral wall of the pharynx just behind the tonsil.
Actions:
The upper part of the muscle raises the palatopharyngeal fold of mucous
membrane that constitutes the posterior pillar of the fauces.
The lower part (blending with stylopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus) is
inserted chiefly into the posterior border of the thyroid lamina and its horns.
Some of the anterior fibers are inserted into the upper border of the thyroid
lamina first in front of the superior horn. Some of the posterior ones merge with
the surrounding fibers of the inferior constrictor.
The muscle is an element of larynx and pharynx.
It arches the palate, making it more concave on its oral surface.
PALATOPHARYNGEUS

85. palatopharyngeous

86. Mucous membrane of the naso-pharyngeal surface.
A layer of palatine glands
Anterior fasciculus of palatopharyngeus, lenator veli palatine and posterior
fasciculus of palatopharyngeus (from before backwards).
Palatine aponeurosis which splits in the middle to enclose musculus uvular
Palatoglossus
A layer of palatine glands
Mucous membrane of the buccal surface.
STRUCTURES OF SOFT PALATE

87. ARTERIAL SUPPLY:
Arteries of the palate include the greater
palatine branch of the maxillary artery, the
ascending palatine branch of the facial
artery, and the palatine branch of the
ascending pharyngeal artery. The maxillary,
facial, and ascending pharyngeal arteries are
all branches that arise in the neck from the
external carotid artery

88. Ascending palatine artery and palatine branch
The ascending palatine artery of the facial artery ascends along the external surface of the pharynx.
The palatine branch loops medially over the top of the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx to
penetrate the pharyngeal fascia with the levator veli palatini muscle and follow the levator veli palatini
to the soft palate.
The palatine branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery follows the same course as the palatine
branch of the ascending palatine artery from the facial artery and may replace the vessel.

89. The greater palatine artery originates from the
maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine fossa.
It descends into the palatine canal where it
gives origin to a small lesser palatine branch,
and then continues through the greater
palatine foramen onto the inferior surface of
the hard palate The greater palatine artery
passes forward on the hard palate and then
leaves the palate superiorly through the
incisive canal to enter the medial wall of the
nasal cavity where it terminates. The greater
palatine artery is the major artery of the hard
palate. It also supplies palatal gingiva. The
lesser palatine branch passes through the
lesser palatine foramen just posterior to the
greater palatine foramen, and contributes to
the vascular supply of the soft palate.

90. Veins from the palate
generally follow the
arteries and ultimately
drain into the pterygoid
plexus of veins in the
infratemporal fossa or
into a network of veins
associated with the
palatine tonsil, which
drain into the
pharyngeal plexus of
veins or directly into the
facial vein
VENOUS DRAINAGE

91. Lymphatic from the soft palate empty into retropharyngeal and upper deep
cervical lymph nodes.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

92. Motor supply: all the muscles of the soft palate are supplied by the
pharyngeal plexus except for the tensor palate, which is supplied by a branch
from the nerve to the medial pterygoid (from the mandibular branch of the
trigeminal nerve). The fibers to this plexus are from the nucleus ambiguous
via the cranial part of the accessory nerve and the pharyngeal branch of the
vagus
NERVE SUPPLY

93. Secretomotor supply: the preganglionic fibers arise from the superior
salivatory nucleus and pass successively through the facial, greater petrosal,
nerve to pterygoid canal and one relayed into the pterygo-palatine ganglion.
Post ganglionic fibers reach the palatine glands via greater and lesser palatine
nerves.

94. General sensory nerves: are derived from
Middle and posterior (lesser) palatine nerves, which are branches of the
maxillary nerves. (through the pterygopalatine ganglion)
Glossopharyngeal nerve.

95. Special sensory (gustatory) nerves:
Taste sensation from the oral surface of soft palate are conveyed by
the glossopharyngeal and lesser palatine nerves. The fibers travel through the
greater petrosal nerve to the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve and from
there to the nucleus of the solitary tract.

96. 1. Gray’s anatomy 2° edition
2. Atlas of human anatomy . frank H. Netter 6 th edition
3. Cunningham’s manual of practical anatomy, vol.3, head, neck
and brain
1. Oral anatomy – sicher’s
4. Text book of anatomy hollinshead
5. Orban’s oral histology and embryology
6. Tencate’s oral histology
BIBLIOGRAPHY