Salpingopharyngeus (Musculus salpingopharyngeus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The salpingopharyngeus is a slender longitudinal muscle of the pharynx that descends from the cartilaginous opening of the pharyngotympanic (auditory/Eustachian) tube into the lateral pharyngeal wall, creating the vertical salpingopharyngeal fold. It blends inferiorly with the palatopharyngeus and assists in middle ear aeration and pharyngeal elevation.
Origin & insertion
From the inferior margin of the cartilaginous part of the auditory (pharyngotympanic) tube to the lateral pharyngeal wall, merging with the palatopharyngeus and posterior border of the thyroid cartilage.
Action
Elevates the pharynx and larynx during deglutition; assists in opening the pharyngeal orifice of the auditory tube to equalize middle ear pressure.
Innervation
Pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) via the pharyngeal plexus.
Clinical notes
Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction or adenoidal hypertrophy interfering with salpingopharyngeus and tensor veli palatini action leads to middle ear effusion (glue ear) and conductive hearing impairment.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Salpingopharyngeus?
The salpingopharyngeus is a slender longitudinal muscle of the pharynx that descends from the cartilaginous opening of the pharyngotympanic (auditory/Eustachian) tube into the lateral pharyngeal wall, creating the vertical salpingopharyngeal fold. It blends inferiorly with the palatopharyngeus and assists in middle ear aeration and pharyngeal elevation.
Why is the Salpingopharyngeus clinically important?
Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction or adenoidal hypertrophy interfering with salpingopharyngeus and tensor veli palatini action leads to middle ear effusion (glue ear) and conductive hearing impairment.
Source & license
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