144 A MANUAL OF ANATOMY. 



are separated by the insertion of the levator palati. The 

 muscle acts to elevate the pharynx and larynx, or to 

 depress the soft palate. 



Azyg-os Uvulae. 



A few muscular fibres in the median line reaching from 

 the posterior nasal spine to the tip of the uvula. Its func- 

 tion is to elevate the uvula. 



Levator Palati. 



This arises from the under surface of the petrous portion 

 of the temporal bone in front of the carotid canal and from 

 the cartilage of the Eustachian tube. It is inserted into 

 the soft palate along the middle line. 



The action is to raise the soft palate and close the posterior 

 nares. 



DISSECTION. 



Remove the levator palati and the upper portion of the palatopharyngeus. 

 This exposes the tensor palati muscle and the ascending palatine artery. 



Tensor Palati. 



Arises from the scaphoid fossa of the sphenoid bone, its 

 tendon winds around the hamular process of the internal 

 pterygoid plate and expands into a second muscular portion, 

 which is attached along the posterior margin of the hard 

 palate and into the median raphe of the soft palate. 



For the ascending palatine artery, see Facial, page 95. 



DISSECTION. 



Remove the mucous membrane from the anterior pillar of the fauces and 

 expose the palatoglossus muscle which forms this pillar. 



Palatoglossus. 



Extends from the anterior surface of the soft palate to 

 the side of the base of the tongue, where it interlaces with 

 the styloglossus muscle. Its action is to draw the sides 



