Muscles of the pharynx

Question 1

Constrictors

Inferior constrictor

Answer 1

thickest and strongest
arise from areas of cricoid and thyroid cartilages
overlaps with middle constrictor

Question 2

Constrictors

Middle Constrictor

Answer 2

originates from area of hyoid

overlaps with superior constrictor

Question 3

Constrictors

Superior constrictor

Answer 3

weakest of the 3
arises from area of pterygoid plates
superior most fibers forms pterygopharyngeus

Question 4

Constrictors

Salpingopharyngeus

Answer 4

origin - bottom of Eustachian tube
insertion - blends with palatopharyngeus
action - lifts pharyngeal wall, may open tube

Question 5

Velopharyngeal closure

Answer 5

when airstream enters oropharynx, must go through nasally or orally
orally depends on velopharyngeal closure, sealing velum and pharyngeal wall

Question 6

Actions to achieve velopharyngeal closure

Answer 6

velum and posterior wall converge

1. velum moves up/back - contraction of levator veli palatini
2. posterior pharyngeal wall moves forward to met velum - superior constrictor contracts or pterygopharyneus
3. lateral walls move medially - contraction of superior constrictor