What is tensor veli palatini?

The tensor veli palatini is a muscle located in the soft palate of the mouth. Its primary function is to tense and elevate the soft palate during swallowing, yawning, and other reflexive actions. It helps to prevent food and liquid from entering the nasal passages by closing off the nasopharynx, which is the part of the throat that connects the nose and the mouth to the esophagus. The tensor veli palatini is also important for equalization of pressure between the middle ear and the pharynx, which helps protect the ear from damage caused by changes in air pressure. Dysfunction of the tensor veli palatini can result in symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, snoring, and ear infections. The muscle is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.