What Muscle Elevates the Soft Palate When Swallowing

Question

What muscle elevates the soft palate when swallowing?
A)Palatopharyngeus
B)Stylopharyngeus
C)Levator veli palatini
D)Tensor veli palatini
E)Superior constrictor

Accepted Answer

The levator veli palatini muscle is responsible for elevating the soft palate during swallowing. It arises from the petrous part of the temporal bone and the cartilage of the pharyngotympanic tube and inserts into the palatine aponeurosis. When the muscle contracts, it elevates the soft palate, which closes off the nasopharynx from the oropharynx to prevent food or liquid from entering the nasal cavity.