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Three-Dimensional Anatomy of the Palatopharyngeus and Its Relation to the Levator Veli Palatini Based on Micro-Computed Tomography.
- Source :
-
Plastic and reconstructive surgery [Plast Reconstr Surg] 2021 Sep 01; Vol. 148 (3), pp. 389e-397e. - Publication Year :
- 2021
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Abstract
- Background: Although multiple studies have been reported on the palatopharyngeus and levator veli palatini, their subtle anatomy and functions remain unclear. The authors elucidated the relationship between these muscles and their functional implications based on three-dimensional digital techniques.<br />Methods: Cadaveric specimens were stained with iodine-potassium iodide and scanned using micro-computed tomography. The muscle fibers were drawn on the exported Imaging and Communications in Medicine images to reconstruct a three-dimensional model and further simplified.<br />Results: In the soft palate, the palatopharyngeus was divided into three bundles. The largest inferior head was found to attach to the palatine aponeurosis, soft palate, and the hard palate on the oral side, which occupied approximately the anterior 28.4 to 36.2 percent of the soft palate in the midline. The superior head was thin and attached to the palatine aponeurosis and the surrounding mucosa on the nasal side. The posterior head was located posterior to the levator veli palatini with fibers attaching to the levator veli palatini and the median portion of the uvula. The levator veli palatini was clasped by the three heads of the palatopharyngeus. The fasciculi of the palatopharyngeus converged into a bundle of muscles at the pharynx and inserted into the lateral and posterior pharyngeal wall.<br />Conclusions: The palatopharyngeus is the largest muscle that connects the soft palate and pharyngeal wall; it closely coordinates with the levator veli palatini to control levator veli palatini overlifting, narrow the velopharyngeal port with the help of the superior constrictor, and elevate the pharynx. The palatopharyngeus and levator veli palatini help each other in velopharyngeal closure through coordination from other muscles.<br /> (Copyright © 2021 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.)
- Subjects :
- Adult
Cadaver
Cleft Palate physiopathology
Humans
Palatal Muscles diagnostic imaging
Palatal Muscles physiology
Pharyngeal Muscles diagnostic imaging
Pharyngeal Muscles physiology
Speech physiology
Velopharyngeal Insufficiency physiopathology
X-Ray Microtomography
Palatal Muscles anatomy & histology
Pharyngeal Muscles anatomy & histology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1529-4242
- Volume :
- 148
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34432689
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008275