Stylopharyngeus muscle

Origin: Styloid process (temporal)

Insertion: Thyroid cartilage (pharynx)

Nerve: Glossopharyngeal nerve

Action: Elevate the larynx, elevate the pharynx, swallowing

Description: The stylopharyngeus muscle is a long, slender muscle, cylindrical above, flattened below. It arises from the medial side of the base of the styloid process, passes downward along the side of the pharynx between the Constrictores superior and medius, and spreads out beneath the mucous membrane. Some of its fibers are lost in the Constrictor muscles, while others, joining with the Pharyngopalatinus, are inserted into the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage. The glossopharyngeal nerve runs on the lateral side of this muscle, and crosses over it to reach the tongue.