Jacobson's muscle

Jacobson's muscle, also known as the veli palatini muscle, is a key muscle in the soft palate of the mouth. It helps elevate and tense the soft palate during swallowing and speech, preventing food and liquids from entering the nasal passages. Originating from the palate and attaching to the pharyngeal wall, its action opens the Eustachian tube, equalizing pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere. This muscle plays a critical role in proper swallowing, speech resonance, and ear health by maintaining the separation between the nasal cavity and the middle ear.