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Lesser Palatine Nerves

nervi palatini minores

The lesser palatine nerves emerge through the lesser palatine foramina posterior to the greater palatine foramen and supply sensory innervation to the soft palate, the palatine tonsil, and the uvula, as well as carrying parasympathetic fibres to the palatine mucous glands. They are branches from the pterygopalatine ganglion via the maxillary nerve (V2).

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The lesser palatine nerves are blocked as part of the greater palatine block for posterior palatal procedures including tonsillectomy anaesthesia and soft palate surgery. They carry the afferent limb of the gag reflex from the soft palate and posterior tongue via the palatine and lingual branches. In cleft palate surgery, the lesser palatine neurovascular bundle is identified and preserved during the palatal mucoperiosteal flap elevation. Sensory loss of the soft palate after palatopharyngeal surgery affects velopharyngeal proprioception and deglutition.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Soft Palate Sensory Loss in Palatal Surgery

Injury to the lesser palatine nerves during soft palate procedures, including uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and palatal implants for snoring, reduces palatopharyngeal sensation and proprioception, contributing to post-operative velopharyngeal dysfunction and altered swallowing reflex sensitivity.