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Next, remove the mucosa from the superior aspect of the soft palate and identify the levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini muscle. The levator veli palatini muscle [cross-section] elevates the soft palate and is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus.
The tensor veli palatini [cross-section] elevates the soft palate by pulling it tight. It has a tendon which courses around the pterygoid hamulus before it attaches into the soft palate. The tensor veli palatini muscle is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.Between the levator veli palatini muscle and the tensor veli palatini muscle, identify the ascending palatine branch of the facial artery.
Links and References:
Grant's: 8.63
Netter: 57, 58, 59