Pharyngeal muscles
Musculi pharyngis
- Latin synonym: Tunica muscularis pharyngis
- Synonym: Muscle layer of pharynx
- Related terms: Pharyngeal muscles; Muscle layer of pharynx
Definition
The pharyngeal muscles form the muscular wall of the pharynx and play a key role in swallowing by propelling food from the oropharynx to the oesophagus. They are arranged as three constrictors — superior, middle, and inferior constrictor muscles — which contract sequentially to push the bolus downward, and three longitudinal muscles — stylopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus, and palatopharyngeus — which elevate the pharynx and larynx during swallowing and speaking.
All pharyngeal muscles are innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) with the exception of the stylopharyngeus muscle which is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
References
Bui T, Fakoya AO, Das JM. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Pharyngeal Muscles. [Updated 2024 May 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551654/
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 34: Pharynx, pp. 580-582.
