Pharyngeal raphe
Raphe pharyngis
Definition
The pharyngeal raphe is a fibrous median ridge situated along the posterior wall of the pharynx, formed by the interdigitation of fibres from the right and left pharyngeal constrictor muscles. It extends from the pharyngeal tubercle on the basilar part of the occipital bone superiorly to the posterior surface of the cricoid cartilage inferiorly, providing a continuous midline attachment for the superior, middle, and inferior constrictor muscles.
Functionally, the pharyngeal raphe serves as a tendinous midline anchor that maintains the integrity of the pharyngeal wall and facilitates the coordinated constriction of the pharynx during swallowing and speech.
References
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.
