266 MUSCLES AND FASCIA. 



outwards and downwards behind the tonsil, it joins the Stylo-pharyngeus, and is 

 inserted with it into the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage, some of its 

 fibres being lost on the side of the pharynx, and others passing across the middle 

 line posteriorly, to decussate with the muscle of the opposite side. 



Relations. In the soft palate, its anterior and posterior surfaces are covered by 

 mucous membrane, from which it is separated by a layer of palatine glands. By 

 its superior border, it is in relation with the Levator palati. Where it forms the 

 posterior pillar of the fauces, it is covered by mucous membrane, excepting on its 

 outer surface. In the pharynx, it lies between the mucous membrane and the 

 Constrictor muscles. 



Nerves. The Tensor palati is supplied by a branch from the otic ganglion ; the 

 Levator palati, and Azygos uvula?, by the facial, through the connection of its 

 trunk, with the Vidian, by the petrosal nerves ; the other muscles, by the palatine 

 branches of Meckel's ganglion. 



Actions. During the first act of deglutition, the morsel of food is driven back 

 into the fauces by the pressure of the tongue against the hard palate, the base of 

 the tongue being, at the same time, retracted, and the larynx raised with the 

 pharynx, and carried forwards under it ; the epiglottis is pressed over the superior 

 aperture of the larynx, and the morsel glides past it. This constitutes the second 

 act of deglutition ; then the Palato-glossi muscles, the constrictors of the fauces, 

 contract behind it ; the soft palate is slightly raised by the Levator palati, and 

 made tense by the Tensor palati ; and the Palato-pharyngei contract, and come 

 nearly together, the uvula filling up the slight interval between them. By these 

 means, the food is prevented passing into the upper part of the pharynx or the 

 posterior nares; at the same time, the latter muscles form an inclined plane, 

 directed obliquely downwards and backwards, along which the morsel descends 

 into the lower part of the pharynx. 



Surgical Anatomy. The muscles of the soft palate should be carefully dissected, the relations 

 the)- bear to the surrounding parts especially examined, and their action attentively studied upon 

 the dead subject, as the surgeon is required to divide one or more of these muscles in the opera- 

 tion of staphyloraphy. Mr. Fergusson has shown, that in the congenital deficiency, called cleft 

 palate, the edges of the fissure are forcibly separated by the action of the Levatores palati and 

 Palato-pharyngei muscles, producing very considerable impediment to the healing process after 

 the performance of the operation for uniting their -margins by adhesion; he has, consequently, 

 recommended the division of these muscles as one of the most important steps in the operation : 

 by these means, the flaps are relaxed, lie perfectly loose and pendulous, and are easily brought 

 and retained in apposition. The Palato-pharyngei may be divided by cutting across the poste- 

 rior pillar of the soft palate, just below the tonsil, with a pair of blunt-pointed curved scissors; 

 and the anterior pillar may be divided also. To divide the Levator palati, the plan recommended 

 by Mr. Pollock is to be greatly preferred. The flap being put upon the stretch, a double-edged 

 knife is passed through the soft palate, just on the inner side of the hamular process, and above 

 the line of the Levator palati. The handle being now alternately raised and depressed, a sweep- 

 ing cut is made along the posterior surface of the soft palate, and the knife withdrawn, leaving 

 only a small opening in the mucous membrane on the anterior surface. If this operation is per- 

 formed on the dead body, and the parts afterwards dissected, the Levator palati will be found 

 completely divided. 



7. ANTERIOR VERTEBRAL EEGION. 



Eectus Capitis Anticus Major. Eectus Lateralis. 



Eectus Capitis Anticus Minor. Longus Colli. 



The Rectus Capitis Anticus Major (fig. 158), broad and thick above, narrow 

 below, appears like a continuation upwards of the Scalenus anticus. It arises by 

 four tendinous slips from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the 

 third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical vertebra^ and ascends, converging towards 

 its fellow of the opposite side, to be inserted into the basilar process of the occi- 

 pital bone. 



Relations. By its anterior surface, with the pharynx, the sympathetic nerve, 

 and the sheath inclosing the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and pneumo- 



