What is palatopharyngeus?

The palatopharyngeus is a muscle located in the throat that plays a key role in the swallowing process. It forms part of the palate and is involved in helping to elevate the larynx and pharynx during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway.

The palatopharyngeus muscle also assists in closing off the nasopharynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the nose. It is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus and is one of the muscles that helps to form the soft palate.

Weakness or dysfunction of the palatopharyngeus muscle can lead to problems with swallowing, such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway). Physical therapy and exercises may be recommended to help improve the function of the palatopharyngeus muscle in cases of dysfunction.