Question

Posterior part of soft palate, hangs down in pharynx is called as

• A. Palatine
• B. Tonsils
• C. Velum Palati
• D. Jacobson's organ

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Velum Palati

Velum palati is the posterior muscular portion of the palate, forming an incomplete septum between the mouth and the oropharynx and between the oropharynx and the nasopharynx. It assists the levator veli palatini in elevating the palate to occlude and prevent entry of food into the nasopharynx during swallowing. It is also attached to the lateral cartilaginous lamina of the Eustachian tube, it assists in it's opening during swallowing or yawning to allow air pressure to equalize between the tympanic cavity and the outside air.

So, the correct answer is 'Velum Palati'.