Origin The palatoglossus arises (the oral aspect of) the
palatine aponeurosis of the
soft palate, where it is continuous with its contralateral partner (i.e. the same muscle of the opposite side).
Insertion From its origin, it passes anteroinferiorly and laterally. It passes anterior to the palatine tonsil. Other sources state that the palatoglossus is not innervated by XI hitchhiking on X, but rather it is innervated by IX via the pharyngeal plexus formed from IX and X.
Actions/movements The palatoglossus elevates the root of the tongue (i.e. the posterior attached portion of the tongue). It approximates the ipsilateral (same side)
palatoglossal arch to the contralateral (opposite side) one, thus separating the
oral cavity and the
oropharynx. ==Function==