Role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in movement of the soft palate.

To examine the role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in palatal movement, we conducted 1) quantitative measurement of palatal movement by selective stimulation of the tensor and levator muscles, and 2) EMG recording of the two muscles during phonation. The results were: 1) negligible palatal movement upon tensor stimulation, despite a marked velar elevation by levator stimulation; and 2) little EMG activity of the tensor and marked EMG activity of the levator during phonation. It was concluded that the tensor plays no role in the palatal function.