Pharyngeal muscles

Pharyngeal muscles

Muscles of the pharynx and cheek

Muscles of the pharynx, viewed from behind, together with the associated vessels and nerves
Details
Nerve receives motor innervation by Vagus nerve (CN X)
Identifiers
Latin musculi pharyngis, musculus constrictor pharyngis or tunica muscularis pharyngis
TA A04.2.06.001
FMA 46619 67169, 46619

Anatomical terms of muscle

The pharyngeal muscles are a group of muscles that form the pharynx, determining the shape of its lumen. The pharyngeal muscles contracts pushing the food into the oesophagus. There are two muscular layers of the pharynx: the outer circular layer and the inner longitudinal layer. The outer circular layer includes:

During swallowing, these muscles constrict to propel bolus downwards (an involuntary process).

The inner longitudinal layer includes:

During swallowing, these muscles act to shorten and widen the pharynx.

They are innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the Vagus nerve (CN X) with the exception of the stylopharyngeus muscle which is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).


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