Which muscle, as shown in the diagram, attaches to the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube and also blends with the soft palate?

1. A

   A. Stylopharyngeus

2. B

   B. Tensor veli palatini

3. C

   C. Levator veli palatini

4. D

   D. Palatopharyngeus

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

• The Levator veli palatini muscle has a dual origin, arising from both the petrous part of the temporal bone and the cartilage of the Eustachian tube.
• It inserts directly into the aponeurosis of the soft palate.
• Its name, 'levator' (elevator) 'veli palatini' (of the veil of the palate), describes its primary function: to lift the soft palate.
• This elevation is critical for separating the nasopharynx from the oropharynx during swallowing.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Stylopharyngeus does not attach to the Eustachian tube or the soft palate. It originates from the styloid process and inserts into the pharynx.
• Option B: Although Tensor veli palatini attaches to the Eustachian tube, its primary action is to tense the soft palate and open the tube, not elevate the palate. The question implies an action of blending with and moving the palate, for which elevation is a key function.
• Option D: Palatopharyngeus originates from the palate itself and inserts into the pharyngeal wall and thyroid cartilage. It does not attach to the Eustachian tube.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and function of the muscles of the soft palate as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• The coordinated action of the palatal muscles is essential for swallowing (deglutition), speech, and middle ear pressure equalization.
• Paralysis of the Levator veli palatini, often due to a lesion of the vagus nerve (CN X), can cause the soft palate to sag and the uvula to deviate to the healthy side. This results in nasal regurgitation of food and a hypernasal voice.
• The function of opening the Eustachian tube (by both Levator and Tensor veli palatini) allows for pressure equalization between the middle ear and the atmosphere, which is why swallowing or yawning can 'pop' the ears during altitude changes.

How to Approach the Question

• This is an anatomical recall question that requires knowledge of muscle attachments.
• First, identify the key anatomical structures mentioned in the question stem: 'cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube' and 'soft palate'.
• Next, systematically review the origin and insertion points for each of the four muscles provided in the options.
• Eliminate options that do not attach to the Eustachian tube. Stylopharyngeus and Palatopharyngeus can be ruled out on this basis.
• Differentiate between the two remaining muscles (Tensor veli palatini and Levator veli palatini), both of which attach to the Eustachian tube. The key is their primary action and relationship with the soft palate. Levator veli palatini is the primary elevator.
• Be aware that diagrams in exam questions may not always be relevant or accurate. In this case, the image shows the larynx, not the palatal muscles. Rely on the textual information to answer the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Anatomy and function of the muscles of the soft palate.
• Stem keywords: muscle, Eustachian tube, soft palate, cartilaginous portion
• Lead-in keywords: Which muscle
• Clinical cues: Attaches to the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube
• Clinical cues: Blends with the soft palate

Question ID

QHW9Qm3JgZKeqDpSGg8EKR

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 1 pp. 80-82, 83-85