Muscles of the pharynx (G. throat)

Question 1

Inferior constrictor

Answer 1

Attachments: from the cricoid & thyroid cartilages to median pharyngeal raphe

Function: general sphincteric & peristalic action in swallowing

Innervation: pharyngeal plexus (X), recurrent laryngeal n. & external laryngeal n.

Blood supply: ascending pharyngeal & inferior thyroid a.

Question 2

Middle constrictor

Answer 2

Attachments: from the greater & lesser cornu of the hyoid & stylohyoid ligament to the median pharyngeal raphe

Function: general sphincteric & peristalic action in swallowing

Innervation: pharyngeal plexus (X)

Blood supply: ascending pharyngeal & tonsilar a.

Question 3

Superior constrictor

Answer 3

Attachments: from pterygoid hamulus & pterygomandibular raphe to the median pharyngeal raphe

Function: general sphincteric & peristalic action in swallowing

Innervation: pharyngeal plexus (X)

Blood supply: ascending pharyngeal & tonsilar a.

Question 4

Salpingopharyngeus (G. salpinx, trumpet)

Answer 4

Attachments: from the cartilage of the auditory tube to the lateral wall of the pharynx

Function: elevation of the superior lateral aspect of the pharyngeal wall

Innervation: vagus n.

Blood supply: ascending pharyngeal & ascending palatine a.

Question 5

Stylopharyngeus

Answer 5

Attachments: from the styloid process to the posterolateral aspect of the pharygeal wall

Function: elevation of the pharyngeal wall

Innervation: glossopharyngeal n.

Blood supply: ascending pharyngeal a.