Mouth diaphragm

The **oral diaphragm** or **velum palatine** is a cartilaginous plate that divides the oral cavity and pharynx into two separate chambers. Previously, the diaphragm of the mouth was called the velum palatine. The word "diaphragm" is of Greek origin and means "partition" - "for separation."

In the anatomical structure of the entire human body, there are several dozen diaphragms, among which the most common is the quadrangular diaphragm, otherwise called the thoraco-abdominal or abdominal septum. In addition, the diaphragm is located in the human spinal canal. In conversation, the diaphragm is often referred to as the velum palatine. The scientific name for this part of the body is the pharynx.

The pharynx is the part of the digestive tract through which food moves from the mouth further into the esophagus. It has a rather voluminous structure consisting of many components. The most important of these is the oral (or respiratory) part, which also forms the diaphragm of the mouth. The mucous membrane of the palatine processes in the middle is blocked by a special formation called the palatine valve. The branches of the main nasal passages pass through it. In front, this wall is, as it were, suspended from other parts of the pharynx with the help of 25-27 joints. They are needed so that the palatal valve can move forward freely, as well as lift or lower back (along with the whole body). Thanks to this, a breathing hole is formed, in which the exhaled air leaves not only the oral, but also the nasal cavity.