Stylopharyngeus (Left) (Musculus stylopharyngeus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The stylopharyngeus is a slender, cylindrical muscle of the styloid group that descends into the lateral pharyngeal wall. Originating from the medial side of the styloid process base, it passes between the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictors to merge into the pharyngeal wall and posterior margin of the thyroid cartilage. It is unique as the only muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.
Origin & insertion
From the medial side of the base of the styloid process of the temporal bone to the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage and lateral wall of the pharynx.
Action
Elevates the larynx and expands and elevates the pharynx during swallowing, facilitating bolus transit.
Innervation
Glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).
Clinical notes
In Eagle syndrome, an elongated styloid process or ossified stylohyoid ligament compresses the stylopharyngeus and adjacent glossopharyngeal nerve, provoking throat pain during swallowing and head rotation.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Stylopharyngeus (Left)?
The stylopharyngeus is a slender, cylindrical muscle of the styloid group that descends into the lateral pharyngeal wall. Originating from the medial side of the styloid process base, it passes between the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictors to merge into the pharyngeal wall and posterior margin of the thyroid cartilage. It is unique as the only muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.
Why is the Stylopharyngeus (Left) clinically important?
In Eagle syndrome, an elongated styloid process or ossified stylohyoid ligament compresses the stylopharyngeus and adjacent glossopharyngeal nerve, provoking throat pain during swallowing and head rotation.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details