Posterior fascicle of palatopharyngeus muscle
Fasciculus posterior musculi palatopharyngei
- Latin synonym: Sphincter palatopharyngeus; Musculus sphincter palatopharyngeus
- Synonym: Palatopharyngeal sphincter; Palatopharyngeal sphincter muscle
- Related terms: Posterior fascicle; Palatopharyngeal sphincter
Definition
The posterior fascicle of palatopharyngeus muscle arises from the superior surface of the palatine aponeurosis, posterior to the attachment of the levator veli palatini. It lies behind the levator veli palatini and beneath the mucous membrane of the soft palate. This fascicle descends to join the anterior fascicle within the pharyngeal wall. Inferiorly, its fibres insert into the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage and merge muscles of the pharyngeal wall.
Functionally, it elevates the pharynx and larynx during swallowing and contributes to velopharyngeal closure.
Summary note
Both fascicles converge below the levator veli palatini to form the main body of the palatopharyngeus, which descends to create the palatopharyngeal arch and integrates into the longitudinal musculature of the pharynx.
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/
Okuda, Shinpei & Abe, Shinichi & Kim, Hee-Jin & Agematsu, Hiroko & Mitarashi, Satoshi & Tamatsu, Yuichi & Ide, Yoshinobu. (2008). Morphologic Characteristics of Palatopharyngeal Muscle. Dysphagia. 23. 258-66.
