Anatomy

Origin

It arises by a flat lamella from the scaphoid fossa at the base of the medial pterygoid plate, from the spina angularis of the sphenoid and from the lateral wall of the cartilage of the auditory tube.

Insertion

It inserts into the palatine aponeurosis and into the surface behind the transverse ridge on the horizontal part of the palatine bone.    

Nerve

Medial pterygoid nerve (From the mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve, CN V3).

Actions

Involved in swallowing.