Superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle

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(Redirected from
Constrictor pharyngis superior
)
Superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle
tonsillar branch of facial artery
NervePharyngeal plexus of vagus nerve
ActionsSwallowing
Identifiers
Latinmusculus constrictor pharyngis superior
TA98A05.3.01.103
TA22179
FMA46621
Anatomical terms of muscle]

The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle is a quadrilateral muscle of the

pharyngeal constrictors.[citation needed
]

The muscle is divided into four parts according to its four distincts origins: a pterygopharyngeal, buccopharyngeal, mylopharyngeal, and a glossopharyngeal part. The muscle inserts onto the

pharyngeal spine. It is innervated by pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve via the pharyngeal plexus. It acts to convey a bolus
down towards the esophagus, facilitating swallowing.

Anatomy

The superior constrictor muscle is a quadrilateral, sheet-like muscle. It is thinner than the middle and inferior constrictor muscles.[1]

Origin

The sites of origin of the muscles collectively are the

medial pterygoid plate) anteriorly, (the posterior margin of) the pterygomandibular raphe, the posterior extremity of the mylohyoid line of mandible, and (negligibly) the side of the tongue.[1]

Four parts of the muscle are distinguished according to the origin:[citation needed]

Insertion

The muscle's fibres extend posterior-ward from its origin to form the midline pharyngeal raphe which then attaches onto the pharyngeal tubercle (of the basilar part of the occipital bone).[1]

Innervation

The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle receives motor innervation from the pharyngeal plexus of vagus nerve.[1]

Vasculature

Arterial supply is provided primarily by the pharyngeal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery, and the tonsilar branch of the facial artery.[1]

Relations

The interval between the upper border of the muscle and the

pharyngeal aponeurosis, and is known as the sinus of Morgagni.[2]

There is an interval between superior pharyngeal constrictor and middle pharyngeal constrictor, this space contains glossopharyngeal nerve, lingual nerve and the stylopharyngeus muscle.[2]

The superior fibers arch beneath the levator veli palatini muscle and the Eustachian tube.[citation needed]

Actions/movements

Constriction of the muscle constricts the superior portion of the pharynx.[1]

Function

As soon as the bolus of food is received in the pharynx, the elevator muscles relax, the pharynx descends, and the constrictors contract upon the bolus, conveying it downward into the esophagus.[citation needed]

Additional images

  • Occipital bone seen from outside
    Occipital bone seen from outside
  • Inner surface of the Mandible seen from the side. The insertion of the mylopharyngeal part of the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle is marked as "sup const".
    Inner surface of the
    Mandible
    seen from the side. The insertion of the mylopharyngeal part of the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle is marked as "sup const".
  • The internal carotid and vertebral arteries. Right side.
    The
    vertebral arteries
    . Right side.
  • Muscles of the palate seen from behind.
    Muscles of the palate
    seen from behind.
  • Dissection of the pharyngeal constrictors
    pharyngeal constrictors
  • Deep dissection of the floor of mouth. Anterior view.
    Deep dissection of the floor of mouth. Anterior view.
  • Deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind
    Deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind

References

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1143 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. ^
    OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link
    )
  2. ^ a b McMinn, R., 1994. Last's anatomy: Regional and applied (9th ed).

External links