Final answer:
The auditory tube does not have muscles originating from it; instead, it is associated with the tensor tympani, which originates from the cartilaginous portion of the auditory tube, and the levator veli palatini, which helps open the auditory tube.
Step-by-step explanation:
The auditory tube, also known as the Eustachian tube, helps equilibrate air pressure across the tympanic membrane and is connected to the middle ear. It does not directly have muscles originating from it; rather, it is surrounded and supported by two muscles: the tensor tympani and the levator veli palatini.
The tensor tympani muscle originates from the cartilaginous portion of the auditory tube and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Its role is to dampen the sounds, such as those produced by chewing, by pulling the malleus inward, which tensions the tympanic membrane.
The levator veli palatini originates from the petrous part of the temporal bone and the Eustachian tube cartilage and is responsible for opening the auditory tube during swallowing or yawning, thereby equalizing pressure in the middle ear.