part_of adult anterior pharyngeal valve adult v-shaped wedge TADS:0000051 TADS:0000051 V-shaped moveable sructure (wedge) that contributes to opening and closing of the valve by fitting into the mouth at the end of the pre-oral canal, thereby opening or closing the connection to the pharynx. When the wedge is raised, the valve is opened, allowing fluid uptake. When lowered, the valve is closed by collapse of its walls and regurgitation is blocked. Opening and closing of the valve is coordinated with constriction and dilation of the pharynx to propel blood posteriorly and prevent regurgitation. default_namespace tooth