Which nerve supplies the tensor veli palatini muscle?

The nerve that supplies the tensor veli palatini muscle is the medial pterygoid nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve. The tensor veli palatini muscle is involved in tensing the soft palate and plays a significant role in the function of the Eustachian tube.

The medial pterygoid nerve innervates this muscle as part of the mylohyoid branch that arises from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). This connection highlights the crucial role of the mandibular nerve in providing motor innervation to muscles of mastication and some associated structures. Understanding this innervation pathway is essential for surgical considerations, particularly since this muscle helps control the auditory function of the Eustachian tube.

In this context, it’s helpful to know the roles of the other nerves mentioned. The maxillary nerve primarily provides sensory innervation to the mid-facial region and does not innervate any muscles directly. The facial nerve supplies muscles of facial expression and does not have a role in the motor function of the tensor veli palatini. Lastly, although the mandibular nerve is involved in the innervation of the tensor veli palatini through its medial pterygoid branch, stating the medial