The tensor veli palatini muscle is a small muscle located in the soft palate of the mouth. This muscle helps to lift the soft palate, which in turn opens up the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps to regulate pressure in the ear. There are no commonly used synonyms for this specific muscle. Some may refer to it as the middle ear muscle or the palatal muscle. However, it is important to use the correct terminology when discussing anatomy and physiology to avoid confusion and miscommunication.