Which nerve is responsible for innervating the soft palate?

The lesser palatine nerve is primarily responsible for innervating the soft palate. This nerve branches off from the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) and specifically supplies sensation to the mucosa of the soft palate and parts of the uvula. Its role in providing sensory innervation is crucial for the functions of the soft palate during speech and swallowing.

In contrast, the greater palatine nerve innervates the hard palate and does not supply the soft palate. The lingual nerve mainly provides sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and is not involved in soft palate innervation. The inferior alveolar nerve is responsible for the lower jaw and the teeth from the molars to the incisors and does not contribute to the nerve supply of the soft palate. Thus, the lesser palatine nerve is the appropriate choice for innervation of the soft palate.