Functional Anatomy of the Tensor Palati: Its Relevance in Cleft Palate Surgery

Abstract

A previously unreported variant insertion of the tensor palati into the maxillary tuberosity was present in five of 52 sides. Significant insertion of the tendon of tensor palati into the hamulus is not normally found. The vectors of the muscle pull of the tensor palati are vertical and anterolateral. The latter is more important in children and should be preserved in cleft-palate repair by leaving the insertion of the tensor palati and the hamulus undisturbed.