Salpingopharyngeus muscle

The salpingopharyngeus is a slender longitudinal muscle of the pharyngeal wall that assists in elevating the pharynx and opening the auditory tube during swallowing.

Origin

The salpingopharyngeus muscle arises from the inferior part of the cartilaginous auditory (pharyngotympanic) tube, near its pharyngeal opening, and descends within the salpingopharyngeal fold of the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Insertion

The muscle passes downward to blend with fibres of the palatopharyngeus and insert into the pharyngeal wall.

Innervation

The salpingopharyngeus muscle is innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) through the pharyngeal plexus, sharing its innervation with the other longitudinal and constrictor muscles of the pharynx (except the stylopharyngeus).

Action

Functionally, the salpingopharyngeus elevates the pharyngeal wall during swallowing and helps equalize pressure between the nasopharynx and middle ear by gently pulling the auditory tube open.

Clinical correlate

Clinically, the mucosal elevation overlying the muscle forms the salpingopharyngeal fold, visible on the lateral wall of the nasopharynx during endoscopic examination, serving as an important landmark for the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube.