17 multiple choice 1 point\n\nyou have just disembarked from an airplane following a cross-country flight…

17 multiple choice 1 point\n\nyou have just disembarked from an airplane following a cross-country flight. you are experiencing difficulty in hearing and notice that your ears are plugged. to relieve the pressure you try \yawning\ to clear the ear canal. it worked. which muscle was involved in this action?\n\nlevator veli palatini\ntensor veli palatini\npalatopharyngeus\nsalpingopharyngeus

17 multiple choice 1 point\n\nyou have just disembarked from an airplane following a cross-country flight. you are experiencing difficulty in hearing and notice that your ears are plugged. to relieve the pressure you try \yawning\ to clear the ear canal. it worked. which muscle was involved in this action?\n\nlevator veli palatini\ntensor veli palatini\npalatopharyngeus\nsalpingopharyngeus

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the physiological mechanism

Yawning or swallowing helps equalize middle ear pressure by opening the Eustachian tube (auditory tube).

Step2: Determine the muscle responsible

The Eustachian tube is normally closed. The primary muscle that contracts to pull the tube open during yawning or swallowing is the tensor veli palatini.

Step3: Evaluate other options

The levator veli palatini primarily elevates the soft palate; the palatopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus have minor roles in tube movement but are not the primary dilators.

Answer:

Tensor veli palatini