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

Origin edit

The sites of origin of the muscles collectively are the pterygoid hamulus (and occasionally the adjoining posterior margin of 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]}

• Pterygopharyngeal part - originating from the lower third of the posterior margin of the medial pterygoid plate and its hamulus
• Buccopharyngeal part - originating from the pterygomandibular raphe
• Mylopharyngeal part - originating from the alveolar process of the mandible above the posterior end of the mylohyoid line
• Glossopharyngeal part - a few fibers originating from the side of the tongue

Insertion edit

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 edit

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

Vasculature edit

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

Relations edit

The interval between the upper border of the muscle and the base of the skull is closed by 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 edit

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

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]}

•  
  Occipital bone seen from outside
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  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".
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  The internal carotid and vertebral arteries. Right side.
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  Muscles of the palate seen from behind.
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  Dissection of the pharyngeal constrictors
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  Deep dissection of the floor of mouth. Anterior view.
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  Deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind

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

• lesson8 at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (latpharyngealitems3)
• "Anatomy diagram: 05287.011-1". Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator. Elsevier. Archived from the original on 2013-04-22.