Anatomical Characteristics of Palatoglossus and the Anterior Faucial Pillar

Abstract

Palatoglossus and the anterior faucial pillar were studied using three techniques: 1) gross dissection, 2) radiographic filming, and 3) histological sectioning. The total subject sample included 25 normal adult male and female cadavers. Palatoglossus has a flattened belly within the faucial pillar, a fan-shaped termination within the palate, and a vertical tapering termination within the tongue. The region of attachment into the palate differs among individuals which could influence its relative importance in velar versus lingual movement.