On each side, the palatine tonsil is between the palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches on the lateral oropharyngeal wall (Fig. 8.271A).
The palatopharyngeus muscles: depress the palate and move the palatopharyngeal arches toward the midline like curtains—both these actions help close the oropharyngeal isthmus; and elevate the pharynx during swallowing.