Musculus uvulae and levator palati: their anatomical and functional relationship in velopharyngeal closure

The morphological relationship between the musculus uvulae and levator palati muscles and their importance in velopharyngeal closure was studied in cadavers by simulation of levator action, palate serial section and dissection, and in various subjects by nerve stimulation and blockade. These studies support the cardinal importance of the levator muscles in velopharyngeal closure. The significance of musculus uvulae activity is less clear. While lesser palatine nerve stimulation evoked a response from the musculus uvulae, a nerve block produced no detrimental effect on speech or nasendoscopic appearance in normal subjects.