Salpingopharyngeal fold - Oral cavity - Oral cavity - e-Anatomy
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Salpingopharyngeal fold

Plica salpingopharyngea

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The salpingopharyngeal fold is a vertical mucosal fold located on the lateral wall of the nasopharynx, descending from the posterior part of the torus tubarius. It is produced by the underlying salpingopharyngeus muscle, which extends from the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube into the lateral wall of the nasopharynx.

Functions

Functionally, the salpingopharyngeus muscle helps elevate the pharynx during swallowing and assists in opening the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube, thereby contributing to equalisation of middle ear pressure.

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References

  • Albahout KS, Lopez RA. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Pharynx. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544271/

  • Standring, S. (2015) Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Chapter 34, Pharynx.

  • Jain P, Rathee M. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Stylopharyngeus Muscles. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547719/

  • Mankowski NL, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Nasopharynx. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557635/

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