Gaumenbogen

Gaumenbogen, in human anatomy, refers to the palatine arches, two mucosal folds that form part of the boundary between the oral cavity and the oropharynx. They consist of the anterior palatoglossal arch (arcus palatoglossus) and the posterior palatopharyngeal arch (arcus palatopharyngeus). Each arch is a mucosal covering over its respective muscle and underlying connective tissue. The palatine tonsil sits between the arches in the tonsillar bed, and the opening between the arches is known as the isthmus of the fauces.

The anterior arch extends from the soft palate to the tongue and contains the palatoglossus muscle; the posterior arch extends from the soft palate toward the side wall of the pharynx and contains the palatopharyngeus muscle. Together, the arches define the boundaries of the fossae known as the fauces. The arches are supplied by vessels in the region and receive motor innervation from the pharyngeal plexus via the vagus nerve (CN X).

Functionally, the palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus muscles contribute to swallowing and speech by coordinating movements of the soft palate, tongue, and pharynx. The palatoglossus helps elevate the tongue and closes the oropharyngeal isthmus, while the palatopharyngeus helps elevate the pharynx and narrow the pharyngeal inlet during swallowing.

Clinical relevance: the palatine arches are key anatomical landmarks in ENT and dentistry; changes in their appearance or the surrounding structures, such as tonsillar enlargement, can affect the oropharyngeal space. See also fauces, palatine tonsil, arcus palatoglossus, arcus palatopharyngeus.