[1] It arises from the scaphoid fossa of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid[1] anteriorly[citation needed], the (medial aspect of the) spine of sphenoid bone posteriorly, and - between the aforementioned anterior and posterior attachments - from the anterolateral aspect of the membranous wall of the pharyngotympanic tube.

[1] Some of the muscle's fibres insert onto the lateral lamina of the cartilaginous part of pharyngotympanic tube and adjacent connective tissue, and the Ostmann's fat pad.

[1] It is the only muscle of the palate not innervated by the pharyngeal plexus, which is formed by the vagal and glossopharyngeal nerves.

The tensed palate consequently provides a stable platform for elevation of the pharynx during swallowing by the pharyngeal muscles.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1139 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)