Palatoglossus

Palatoglossus is a thin, paired muscle of the soft palate and tongue that forms the palatoglossal arch, the anterior pillar of the oropharyngeal isthmus. It extends from the palatine aponeurosis of the soft palate to the side of the tongue, where it blends with the intrinsic tongue muscles.

Origin and insertion: The muscle originates from the palatine aponeurosis of the soft palate and inserts into the lateral aspect of the tongue, near its posterior region. In doing so, it helps create the palatoglossal arch that borders the oral cavity against the oropharynx.

Innervation and blood supply: Palatoglossus is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus via the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X). Its vascular supply comes primarily from branches of the facial artery, especially the tonsillar and ascending palatine arteries, with possible contributions from the descending palatine branch of the maxillary artery.

Function: The muscle elevates the posterior part of the tongue and helps depress the soft palate during swallowing. By forming the palatoglossal arch, it contributes to the separation of the oral cavity and the oropharynx and plays a role in the coordination of swallowing and speech.

Clinical significance: The palatoglossal arch is a visible landmark in the oropharynx, with palatoglossus defining the anterior border. Dysfunction or surgical trauma in the region can affect swallowing and articulation, and the muscle is often considered in assessments of oropharyngeal anatomy.