palatopharyngeal arch

noun

pal·​a·​to·​pha·​ryn·​geal arch -ˌfar-ən-ˈjē-əl-; -fə-ˈrin-j(ē-)əl- How to pronounce palatopharyngeal arch (audio)
: the more posterior of the two ridges of soft tissue at the back of the mouth on each side that curves downward from the uvula to the side of the pharynx forming a recess for the palatine tonsil as it diverges from the palatoglossal arch and that is composed of part of the palatopharyngeus with its covering of mucous membrane

called also pharyngopalatine arch, posterior pillar of the fauces

Dictionary Entries Near palatopharyngeal arch

Cite this Entry

“Palatopharyngeal arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/palatopharyngeal%20arch. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!