Victor Forge
The palatoglossus muscle is an extrinsic muscle of the tongue and is associated with the soft palate. It is the only muscle of the tongue not innervated by the hypoglossal nerve. Instead, it is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus of the vagus nerve (CN X). Some sources state that the palatoglossus is innervated by the cranial nerve (CN) X/XI complex, while others suggest it is innervated by IX via the pharyngeal plexus. This muscle plays a crucial role in swallowing by elevating the root of the tongue and preventing the spillage of saliva from the oral cavity into the pharynx.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle type | Extrinsic |
| Innervation | Cranial nerve (CN) X/XI complex, pharyngeal plexus of vagus nerve |
| Blood supply | Lingual artery with contributions from the tonsillar artery |
| Origin | Palatine aponeurosis of the soft palate |
| Insertion | Side of the tongue, with some fibers extending over the dorsum and into the substance of the tongue |
| Function | Elevates root of the tongue, aids in swallowing, prevents spill of saliva from the vestibule into the oropharynx |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The vagus nerve innervates the palatoglossus muscle
The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve, and it has three distinct branches: superior, middle, and inferior. The superior branch of the vagus nerve contributes to the innervation of the palatoglossus muscle. This muscle is also innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
The palatoglossus muscle is involved in several important functions. It helps to elevate the root of the tongue and the posterior portion of the tongue. By approximating the ipsilateral and contralateral palatoglossal arches, it separates the oral cavity and the oropharynx, closing the oropharyngeal isthmus. This action prevents the spill of saliva from the vestibule into the oropharynx, maintaining the palatoglossal arch.
The palatoglossus muscle also plays a significant role during swallowing. It aids in initiating the swallowing process and propels food towards the oesophagus, preventing retrograde flow. Additionally, electrical stimulation of the nerve to the palatoglossus muscle has been shown to dilate the retropalatal space, which can help reduce the impact of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Muscle Peak Age: Unlocking the Body's Potential
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The pharyngeal plexus of vagus nerve
The pharyngeal plexus is a nerve plexus located on the outer surface of the pharynx. It is comprised of three components: a motor component, a sensory component, and a sympathetic component. The pharyngeal plexus of the vagus nerve is responsible for providing motor innervation to most muscles of the soft palate and pharynx, excluding the tensor veli palatini and stylopharyngeus muscles, respectively. The vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve X, is the longest nerve in the human body, and it plays a crucial role in both motor and sensory functions. It originates in the medulla oblongata and exits the skull through the jugular foramen.
The motor component of the pharyngeal plexus is derived from the vagus nerve, which provides innervation to the muscles of the pharynx and soft palate. This includes muscles such as the palatopharyngeus, palatoglossus, and pharyngeal constrictors. The vagus nerve also gives off branches, including the pharyngeal branches, superior laryngeal nerves, recurrent laryngeal nerves, and superior cardiac nerves. These branches contribute to the innervation of various structures in the neck and upper airway.
The sensory component of the pharyngeal plexus is derived from the glossopharyngeal nerve, also known as cranial nerve IX. This nerve provides sensory information from the oropharynx and laryngopharynx, contributing to the overall sensory innervation of the pharyngeal region.
The sympathetic component of the pharyngeal plexus is derived from the superior cervical ganglion. This component provides sympathetic innervation to the pharyngeal vasculature and mucosal glands, playing a role in regulating physiological functions in the pharyngeal region.
The pharyngeal plexus of the vagus nerve is an essential neural structure that coordinates the complex functions of the pharynx and soft palate. By providing motor, sensory, and sympathetic innervation, it enables the precise control and coordination of muscle movements, sensory processing, and physiological functions in the region. This plexus is, therefore, integral to the proper functioning of the pharyngeal system and its associated processes, including respiration and deglutition.
Muscle and Nerve Connection: What's the Link?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The cranial nerve (CN) X/XI complex
The human tongue is composed of four pairs of extrinsic muscles and four intrinsic muscles. The palatoglossus muscle is an extrinsic muscle and is the only muscle of the tongue not innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
The palatoglossus muscle is innervated by the cranial nerve (CN) X/XI complex. The vagus nerve (CN X) is the longest cranial nerve and runs from the brain to the large intestine, innervating several tissues along the way. The accessory nerve (CN XI) provides motor innervation of the muscles of the neck.
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and vagus nerve (CN X) are so closely related that it is difficult to test them separately. They both have three distinct branches: superior, middle, and inferior. The superior branches of the IX and X nerves contribute to the innervation of the palatoglossus, while their middle branches innervate the palatopharyngeus.
Some sources state that the palatoglossus is innervated by fibers from the cranial part of the accessory nerve (CN XI) that travel via the pharyngeal plexus. Other sources state that the palatoglossus is not innervated by XI hitchhiking on X, but rather it is innervated by IX via the pharyngeal plexus formed from IX and X.
The cranial nerves are a set of 12 paired nerves that stem from the brain. They have a wide variety of functions, including helping humans see, taste, smell, hear, and feel sensations. They also help with making facial expressions, blinking the eyes, and moving the tongue.
The Heart's Autonomy: Cardiac Muscle's Self-Excitation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The hypoglossal nerve
The palatoglossus muscle is an extrinsic muscle of the tongue and soft palate. It is the only muscle of the tongue not innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII). Instead, the palatoglossus muscle receives motor innervation from the pharyngeal plexus of the vagus nerve (CN X). Some sources state that the palatoglossus is innervated by fibres from the cranial part of the accessory nerve (CN XI) that travel via the pharyngeal plexus. Other sources state that the palatoglossus is not innervated by CN XI, but rather by CN IX via the pharyngeal plexus formed from CN IX and CN X.
The four main branches of the hypoglossal nerve are the medial, intermediate, lateral, and muscular branches. The medial branch supplies the genioglossus muscle, which is the main muscle responsible for protrusion of the tongue. The intermediate branch supplies the hyoglossus and chondroglossus muscles. The lateral branch supplies the styloglossus muscle, which is responsible for retrusion of the tongue. The muscular branch supplies the intrinsic muscles of the tongue, which are involved in tongue shape and movement.
Electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve has been studied for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnoea is a disorder characterised by repeated episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to breathing interruptions. Electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve that innervates the genioglossus muscle results in improvements in airway patency. This treatment approach aims to reduce the burden of OSA and improve breathing during sleep.
Understanding Muscle Insertion: How Muscles Attach and Function
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Anatomy Coloring Book (Kaplan Test Prep) [Spiral-bound] Stephanie McCann and Eric Wise](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71dW6Z5ScpL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The role of the palatoglossus muscle in obstructive sleep apnoea
The palatoglossus is a muscle of the soft palate and an extrinsic muscle of the tongue. It is innervated by the cranial nerve (CN) X/XI complex, also known as the pharyngeal plexus of the vagus nerve. It is the only muscle of the tongue not innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
The palatoglossus muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining upper airway patency during sleep. It elevates the root of the tongue and separates the oral cavity from the oropharynx, closing the oropharyngeal isthmus. This muscle also aids in swallowing and prevents the spill of saliva from the vestibule into the oropharynx by maintaining the palatoglossal arch.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common breathing disorder characterised by repetitive narrowing and closure of the upper airway during sleep. It is widely accepted that remodelling of the upper airway muscles occurs in adult OSA. Traditional treatments for OSA target the anatomy and structural volume of the upper airway, but there is increasing evidence that neuromuscular compensation during sleep also plays a critical role in the disorder.
The role of the palatoglossus muscle in OSA has been explored in several studies. One study found that the length of the palatoglossus muscle altered significantly with mandibular advancement, but this change was not significantly related to treatment outcomes. However, the study suggested that the palatoglossus may be a target for future OSA therapies. Other studies have focused on the genioglossus muscle, which is the primary tongue protrudor, and its activity during sleep. It has been observed that a reduction in genioglossus muscle activity after sleep onset appears to be a major pathogenic factor in OSA. Electrical stimulation of the genioglossus muscle or the hypoglossal nerve that innervates it has been shown to result in improvements in airway patency.
Muscle Loss: How Quickly Can You Lose Muscle Mass?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Palatoglossus is an extrinsic muscle of the tongue and the soft palate. It is the only muscle of the tongue not innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
The Palatoglossus muscle is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus of the vagus nerve (CN X). Some sources state that the muscle is innervated by the CN X/XI complex.
The Palatoglossus muscle elevates the root of the tongue and the posterior portion of the tongue. It also aids in swallowing by preventing the spill of saliva from the vestibule into the oropharynx.
The blood supply to the Palatoglossus muscle is from the lingual artery, with contributions from the tonsillar artery.
