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Palatoglossal Arch

arcus palatoglossus

The palatoglossal arch is the front fold of mucosa at the back of the mouth, running from the soft palate down to the side of the tongue. It contains the palatoglossus muscle and marks the boundary between the mouth and the oropharynx.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Supply

Location	Lateral wall of the back of the mouth, in front of the palatine tonsil
Parts	Mucosal fold Palatoglossus muscle
Nerve Supply	Vagus nerve via pharyngeal plexus (palatoglossus); Glossopharyngeal and lesser palatine nerves (sensation)
Blood Supply	Ascending palatine artery; Lesser palatine arteries; Tonsillar branch of the facial artery
Venous drainage	Pharyngeal and pterygoid venous plexuses
Lymphatic drainage	Deep cervical nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Narrows the opening into the throat and raises the back of the tongue at the start of swallowing.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The arch forms the front pillar of the tonsillar fossa and is a landmark for tonsillectomy and for draining a peritonsillar abscess. Its movement can be checked during cranial nerve examination of the palate.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy)

Pus collection behind the tonsil that pushes the arch and uvula towards the other side.

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