Anatomy-Lexicon

Palatal arch

definition

The palatine arch is the term used for the soft palate (Velum palatinum) raised mucosal folds. A distinction is made between an anterior and a posterior palatal arch. When the mouth is open, the two palatal arches are clearly visible.

The so-called almond niche (Tonsil box) in which the tonsils (Palatine tonsil) can be found. Palatine tonsils are just one type of almond and, as the name suggests, are located between the anterior and posterior arch of the palate.

anatomy

The anterior palatal arch is also Arcus palatoglossus called (Arcus Latin arch, Palatum Latin palate, glossa large tongue). It pulls from the soft palate to the side edge of the tongue. The bow of the muscle of the same name is thrown up (Palatoglossus muscle). The palatoglossus muscle is controlled from the pharygeus plexus (innervated). This is controlled by a plexus of nerves that emerges from the 9th (Glossopharyngeal nerve) and the 10th (N. vagus) Forms cranial nerve.

The following topic may also be of interest to you: cranial nerve

The posterior palatal arch is also called Arcus palatopharyngeus designated (Pharynx lat.throat). It stretches from the soft palate to the throat and is thrown up by the palatopharyngeus muscle. Also the Palatopharyngeal muscle is innervated from the pharyngeal plexus.

function

One function of the palatal arches is to delimit the oral cavity (Cavitas oris) to the throat (Pharynx). By delimiting the almond niche, the palatal arches also form a space in which the immune response can be concentrated in the event of an infection.

The two muscles that raise the palatal arch also have specific functions. The M. palatoglossus and the Palatopharyngeal muscle through their contraction lift the base of the tongue and lower the soft palate. This causes the so-called Schlundenge (Isthmus faucium), the transition from the mouth to the throat, is narrowed. This is especially important when swallowing.

The palatal arch is also important for the gag reflex. This is a so-called protective reflex. It is intended to prevent foreign objects such as drinks or food from entering the windpipe (Trachea) reach. In addition, the body defends itself in this way against poisonous or spoiled food, since bitter or putrid food triggers this reflex. The uvula plays a crucial role in this. Touching the palatal arches also triggers the gag reflex. The muscles of the pharynx contract in order to bring the foreign bodies back into the oral cavity. You are supported by the muscles of the palatal arches.

As the structure of the oral cavity, the palatal arch also directs the air currents that are important for speaking. He thus has a share in the emphasis when speaking.

Palatine arch diseases

Inflammation of the palatal arch

Inflammation of the palatal arches is most often due to inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the arches. Such an inflammation often does not occur alone, but when other parts of the mouth and throat are affected.

The symptoms correspond to the classic signs of inflammation: pain (Dolor) occurs mainly when swallowing, chewing, or speaking. Swelling (tumor), Redness (Rubor), Overheat (Calor) accompany the inflammation.The function restriction (Functio laesa) is particularly noticeable in this area through discomfort when swallowing, possibly also when speaking.

Inflammation can be a reaction for a variety of causes. On the palatal arch, these are often pathogenic microorganisms, so-called pathogens. Pathogens in particular, which also attack the tonsils, can spread to the palatal arch. These include adenoviruses, flu viruses, streptococci and the Eppstein-Barr virus (the trigger of Pfeiffer's glandular fever).

Inflammation of the palatal arches can also be triggered by fungi. Normally, an intact immune system prevents the fungi, which are also found in healthy oral flora, from spreading. However, if the body's own defenses are weakened, e.g. by immunosuppressive drugs or infections, the fungi (especially Candida albicans) spread. Burns in the mouth can also cause tissue death and inflammation.

Indications of other diseases can also appear on the palatal arch. For example, vomiting (Bulimia nervosa) the gag reflex, which can normally be triggered there by touch, is reduced or absent.

A lack of gag reflex can also be a symptom of nerve damage. The muscles that raise the palatal arches (M. palatopharyngeus, M. palatoglossus), will be replaced by the 9th (Glossopharyngeal nerve) and 10. (N. vagus) Cranial nerve supplied. If these nerves fail, the gag reflex is impaired.

In addition, if the palatal arch is injured, the structure of the oral cavity changes. This can lead to more air flowing through the resonance chambers of the nose when speaking. The result is often open nasalism (Hypernasality).

Read more on the subject: Inflammation on the roof of the mouth

Swelling of the palatal arch

Inflammation can cause swelling of the palatal arch. This is especially the case if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, fever or coating of the mucous membranes.

In the case of inflammation, so-called inflammation mediators (e.g. histamine) released. These ensure that blood vessels expand and their permeability is increased. This causes the liquid part of the blood to escape into the surrounding tissue, causing it to swell. In this case, the swelling can best be treated by combating the infection. Antiseptic teas can have a supportive effect.

However, such swelling can also occur in the course of an allergic reaction. Even then, mediators are released that affect the blood vessels. Pollen or food allergies in particular can make themselves felt on the palate. But insect bites, such as when a wasp is swallowed, can trigger an allergic reaction.

The therapy here consists in a strict avoidance of the allergy triggers. If you have an allergic reaction in which the swelling hinders breathing, you should get medical help as soon as possible. In addition, burns to the palatal arch can cause swelling.

With a burn, part of the affected tissue always dies. This is known as necrosis. Necrosis is always associated with mostly localized inflammation, which is why swelling also occurs here.

The swelling will go down once the burn has healed. This happens faster on the palatal arch than on the skin, as the mucous membrane can regenerate quickly here. Cool drinks can help relieve the pain.

Short-term swelling can also be triggered by particularly spicy or acidic foods. This usually passes quickly. If the palate is irritated anyway, you should avoid such dishes.

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Redness on the palatal arch

Redness occurs primarily as a sign of inflammation. The inflammation (see: Inflammation of the palatal arch) can have various causes, e.g. the infestation of the mucous membranes of the palatal arch with bacteria, viruses or fungi. Especially with fungi or bacteria, the mucous hats are also covered with whitish, yellow or gray coatings. The occurrence of other symptoms such as pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing and speaking also speaks in favor of inflammation.

The mucous membranes of the palatal arch can also be sensitive to food that is too hot, spicy or acidic. Burns or irritation with reddening of the palatal arch are the result. Such irritation can also be caused by stomach acid. This occurs, for example, with frequent vomiting (e.g. in bulimia nervosa) or when the acid flows back out of the stomach (Reflux) in the mouth.

Read more about this under: Red spots on the roof of the mouth - How dangerous is that?

Pimples and blisters on the palatal arch

Blisters or pimples on the palatal arch can be canker sores. This is approximately 1 cm of damage to the mucous membrane that is covered by a whitish coating. The tissue around the canker sores is often reddened. The canker sores usually heal within two weeks, but unfortunately they can cause severe pain as long as they persist.

They occur more often when the immune system is weakened (such as after an infection) or after minor injuries. They can also be caused by irritation of the palate from alcohol, spicy, acidic and excessively hot foods. Malnutrition such as vitamin B-12 deficiency or gluten in celiac disease (Glow intolerance) can lead to canker sores.

If many canker sores occur at the same time, one speaks of mouth rot (Stomatitis aphotsa). If the canker sores return frequently, this is called chronic recurrent aphtosis.

Small post-inflammatory abscesses or cysts can also act like pimples. Blisters can be burns caused by food that is too hot.

Painful blisters can also indicate shingles (Herpes zoster infection) be. The causative agent are varicella viruses, the infection usually already takes place in childhood and manifests itself as chickenpox. The viruses remain in the body for life and can cause symptoms again, especially if the immune system is weakened.

That could also be of interest to you: Vesicles in the mouth

Pain in the palatal arch

Pain in the palatal arch is often very uncomfortable and hinders everyday functions such as speaking or swallowing. Usually the pain has quite harmless causes. However, if they persist for several days, a doctor should be consulted.

There are a variety of causes of pain in the palatal arches:

Burns from food that is too hot can be very painful, but usually heal easily.

Even a simple cold (Rhinitis) with involvement of the mucous membranes of the palatal arch can lead to pain. These occur especially when the body defends itself against the infection with inflammation.

Less harmless pathogens such as streptococci, flu viruses, Eppstein-Barr viruses (Trigger of Pfeiffer's glandular fever) or scarlet fever pathogens can lead to inflammation. Fungi can also trigger this reaction, especially in people with a weakened immune system.

Another reason for pain in the palatal arch can be infection with herpes zoster viruses. This is often accompanied by the formation of blisters.

In addition, people with allergies can experience an inflammatory reaction to the allergy trigger and thus pain.

Encapsulated collections of pus are often particularly painful (Abscess on the roof of the mouth) in the area of the palatal arches. These are often the result of long-term inflammation or injury.

In rare cases, nerve pain (Neuralgia) occur. The pain here is often attack-like and very severe. They remain one-sided, but radiate into other areas of the head.

A malicious (malignant) Tumor the cause of persistent pain in the palatal arches.

Read more on the subject: Palate pain

What role does the palatal arch play in braces?

In connection with braces, the word palatal arch usually has a different meaning than in anatomy. Here it refers to a wire bow between the large molars (Molars) is used. This type of palatal arch is also called a palatal arch and can be part of the treatment for fixed braces.

The palatal arch is used to fix the large molars. It ensures that the distance between these teeth remains the same. Since a palatal arch can press on the roof of the mouth, it is perceived as uncomfortable, especially in the first few days after it has been inserted.