Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Musculus constrictor pharyngis superior)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The superior pharyngeal constrictor is a quadrilateral muscle forming the upper lateral and posterior wall of the pharynx. Originating from the pterygoid hamulus, pterygomandibular raphe, posterior mylohyoid line, and side of the tongue, its fibers curve posteriorly to insert into the median pharyngeal raphe and occipital pharyngeal tubercle. It participates in sealing the nasopharynx during swallowing.
Origin & insertion
From the pterygoid hamulus, pterygomandibular raphe, posterior end of the mylohyoid line of the mandible, and lateral margin of the tongue to the pharyngeal raphe and pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone.
Action
Constricts the upper pharyngeal lumen during deglutition; its upper fibers form the Passavant ridge that assists the soft palate in velopharyngeal closure.
Innervation
Pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) via the pharyngeal plexus.
Clinical notes
Velopharyngeal incompetence caused by weakness of the superior constrictor or palatal clefts leads to hypernasal speech and nasal regurgitation of fluids during deglutition.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor?
The superior pharyngeal constrictor is a quadrilateral muscle forming the upper lateral and posterior wall of the pharynx. Originating from the pterygoid hamulus, pterygomandibular raphe, posterior mylohyoid line, and side of the tongue, its fibers curve posteriorly to insert into the median pharyngeal raphe and occipital pharyngeal tubercle. It participates in sealing the nasopharynx during swallowing.
Why is the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor clinically important?
Velopharyngeal incompetence caused by weakness of the superior constrictor or palatal clefts leads to hypernasal speech and nasal regurgitation of fluids during deglutition.
Source & license
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