<Li> Levator veli palatini, involved in swallowing </Li> <Li> Musculus uvulae, which moves the uvula </Li> <P> These muscles are innervated by the pharyngeal plexus via the vagus nerve, with the exception of the tensor veli palatini . The tensor veli palatini is innervated by cranial nerve 5 branch V3 (which is the mandibular division of the trigeminal cranial nerve). </P> <P> The soft palate is moveable, consisting of muscle fibers sheathed in mucous membrane . It is responsible for closing off the nasal passages during the act of swallowing, and also for closing off the airway . During sneezing, it protects the nasal passage by diverting a portion of the excreted substance to the mouth . </P>

What is the function of the uvula and soft palate