important, the greater, is located on the hard palate, medial to an incision centered on the residual crest.

The soft tissues over the posterior portion of the hamular notch will easily separate and reveal the hamulus (12), with a glossy, translucent strap (13) crossing it diagonally. This strap is a tendon of the tensor veli palatini muscle. The hamulus serves

as a fulcrum for this muscle as it functions. One portion of the muscle extends horizontally and mesially from the hamulus in a fan shape to form the palatine aponeurosis (14). The other portion extends almost vertically and slightly posteriorly to attach to the cartilaginous portion of the auditory tube (15). Relaxed, this portion of the tube forms a gentle spiral that opens into the pharynx (16) above the soft palate, and extends to the middle ear (17). The tensor veli palatini and the salpingopharyngeus muscles unwind the gentle spiral, permitting a momentary opening of the tube and equalization of atmospheric and middle ear pressures. As part of this action, the soft palate is tensed and raised by the tensor and levator veli palatini muscles. Accidentally severing the tendinous strap of the tensor veli palatini as it passes across the hamulus would severely hinder efficient swallowing and maintaining equilibrium. Fracturing the hamulus, which is almost impossible except by the most brutal handling, would also adversely affect these functions. Because only the slightest pressure of the knife on the loose soft tissues over the hamulus will reveal the site, the careful and knowledgeable operator can easily work safely in the area.

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