The tensor veli palatini muscle is innervated by which nerve?

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The tensor veli palatini is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3) through the nerve to the tensor veli palatini. This is because this muscle originates from the first pharyngeal arch, which is supplied by V3, making it the only palate muscle with trigeminal motor input. The other divisions of the trigeminal nerve (V1 and V2) are mainly sensory and do not provide motor innervation to this muscle. Muscles of the soft palate other than the tensor veli palatini receive motor input from the vagus nerve via the pharyngeal plexus. Functionally, the tensor veli palatini tenses the soft palate and helps open the auditory tube during swallowing and yawning.