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Musculus uvulae
The musculus uvulae[1] (also muscle of uvula, uvular muscle, or palatouvularis muscle[2]) is a bilaterally muscle of the soft palate (one of five such muscles) that acts to shorten the uvula when both muscles contract.[3] It forms most of the mass of the uvula.[2] It is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus of vagus nerve (cranial nerve X).[3][4] AnatomyThe muscle is situated in between the two laminae of the palatine aponeurosis. From its origin, it passes posterior-ward superior to the swing that is formed by the levator veli palatini muscle. The musculus uvulae and levator veli palatini muscle form a right angle so that their contraction elevates the levator eminence to aid in separating the oral cavity and the oropharynx.[4] OriginThe muscle arises from the posterior nasal spine of the palatine bone, and the (superior aspect of the[4]) palatine aponeurosis.[3][4] InsertionThe muscle inserts into the mucous membrane of the uvula.[3][4] VasculatureThe muscle receives arterial blood from the ascending palatine artery, and the descending palatine artery.[4] Actions/movementsBilateral contraction of the two muscles shortens the uvula.[3] It also elevates[2] and retracts[4] the uvula. Unilateral contraction draws the uvula ipsilaterally.[3] FunctionBy retracting the uvula and thickening the middle portion of the soft palate, the muscle assist the levator veli palatini in separating the oral cavity and the oropharynx.[4] References
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