A novel three dimensional finite element model of the velopharyngeal mechanism was created from fast magnetic resonance imaging data collected from an individual with healthy noncleft velopharyngeal anatomy. The model components included the velum, posterior pharyngeal wall, levator veli palatini, musculus uvulae and palatopharyngeus muscles. Using this model, we sought to determine the roles of each of the individual muscles during velopharyngeal closure. Correlation was noted between the various muscles and their activation degrees, with specific velar shape configurations during speech production. The model was also used to predict optimal muscle configuration in the muscle repair in cleft palatoplasty.

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