Which muscle is commonly impaired in infants with cleft lip and palate?

The tensor veli palatini muscle is commonly impaired in infants with cleft lip and palate due to its essential role in the movement of the soft palate. This muscle is responsible for tensing the soft palate during swallowing and helps to open the eustachian tube, which is crucial for equalizing middle ear pressure.

In the context of cleft lip and palate, the structural abnormalities present can affect the proper functioning of the tensor veli palatini. If this muscle is not functioning correctly, it can lead to issues with velopharyngeal closure, contributing to articulation problems and increasing the risk of middle ear infections as well.

While other muscles are involved in the function of the soft palate and pharynx, the tensor veli palatini is specifically impacted due to its anatomical position and its direct connection to the structures affected by cleft palate conditions.