The palatopharyngeus muscle originates from the superior surface of the palatine aponeurosis and passes posterolaterally over its margin to descend and become one of the longitudinal muscles of the pharyngeal wall (Fig. 8.270C). It is attached to the palatine aponeurosis by two flat lamellae separated by the levator veli palatini muscle. The more anterior and lateral of these two lamellae is attached to the posterior margin of the hard palate as well as to the palatine aponeurosis.