The palatoglossus muscle is one of the muscles of the soft palate that plays a crucial role in elevating the posterior part of the tongue and closing the oropharyngeal isthmus during swallowing. It is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus of the vagus nerve, making it unique among tongue muscles, which are typically innervated by the hypoglossal nerve.

Palatoglossus

The palatoglossus muscle is a muscle of the soft palate that plays a crucial role in elevating the back of the tongue and narrowing the oropharyngeal isthmus during swallowing. It is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus of the vagus nerve, making it unique among tongue muscles, which are typically innervated by the hypoglossal nerve.

palatoglossus muscle

muscles of the soft palate

elevating the posterior part of the tongue

closing the oropharyngeal isthmus

Swallowing is a complex physiological process that involves the coordinated action of muscles and nerves to safely transport food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. It is divided into three phases: oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal, each crucial for preventing aspiration and ensuring efficient digestion.

swallowing

Innervation by the pharyngeal plexus

The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve and a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system, playing a significant role in regulating internal organ functions such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate. It is involved in the gut-brain axis, influencing mental health and stress responses, and has therapeutic potential in treatments like vagus nerve stimulation for conditions such as epilepsy and depression.

vagus nerve

The tongue is a highly flexible and agile organ composed of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles that allow it to perform complex movements essential for speech, taste, and swallowing. Its intrinsic muscles change the shape of the tongue, while the extrinsic muscles control its position, enabling a wide range of functional activities.

tongue muscles

The hypoglossal nerve, also known as cranial nerve XII, is primarily responsible for motor control of the muscles of the tongue, which is crucial for speech and swallowing. Damage to this nerve can result in tongue weakness or atrophy, leading to difficulties with speech articulation and swallowing.

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