The palatoglossus is a muscle of the soft palate that together with its covering mucosa forms the palatoglossal arch (or palatoglossal fold). 

Origin: muscle arises from the oral aspect of the palatine aponeurosis, where it fuses together with its contralateral muscle. The palatoglossus passes forwards, downwards and laterally anterior to the palatine tonsil and reaches the side of the tongue. 

Insertion: some of its fibers distribute to the dorsum of the tongue, other extend deeply into the tissue of the tongue and mix together with fibers of one of the intrinsic muscles of the tongue - the transverse muscle.

Action: elevates the root of the tongue and brings closer the palatoglossal arches, thus blocking off the oral cavity from the oropharynx.

Innervation: pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus.

Blood supply: ascending palatine artery - a branch of the facial artery, as well as the ascending pharyngeal artery - a branch of the external carotid artery.