Innervation of Human Soft Palate Muscles.

Innervation of Human Soft Palate Muscles. Anat Rec (Hoboken). 2020 Oct 09;: Authors: Mu L, Chen J, Li J, Fowkes M, Benson B, Nyirend T, Sobotka S, Christopherson M, Sanders I Abstract Our objective was to determine the branching and distribution of the motor nerves supplying the human soft palate muscles. Six adult specimens of the soft palate in continuity with the pharynx, larynx and tongue were processed with Sihler's stain, a technique that can render large specimens transparent while counterstaining their nerves. The cranial nerves were identified and dissection followed their branches as they divided into smaller divisions toward their terminations in individual muscles. The results showed that both the glossopharyngeal (IX) and vagus (X) nerves have three distinct branches, superior, middle and inferior. Only the middle branches of each nerve contributed to the pharyngeal plexus to which the facial nerve also contributed. The pharyngeal plexus was divided into two parts, a superior innervating the palatal and neighboring muscles and an inferior innervating pharyngeal constrictors. The superior branches of the IX and X nerves contributed innervation to the palatoglossus, whereas their middle branches innervated the palatopharyngeus. The palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus muscles appeared to be composed of at least two neuromuscular compartments. The lesser palatine nerve not only supplied the palatal mucosa and palatine glandul...
Source: Anatomical Record - Category: Anatomy Authors: Tags: Anat Rec (Hoboken) Source Type: research