Anatomic Relationships Between the Human Levator and Tensor Veli Palatini and the Eustachian Tube

Abstract

To define the interrelationships of the human levator and tensor veli palatini muscles and the Eustachian tube, fetal heads were serially sectioned and anatomic reconstruction done. Cephalornetric points on fetal and adult skulls were compared to evaluate the effect ofgrowth and development on these interrelationships. Based on the results of this study, we propose a mechanism for Eustachian tube function in the normal and in the cleft palate patient. This mechanism ojfers some explanations for many previously unexplained and paradoxical clinical observations.