Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part)
Pharynx · Head & Neck
The mylopharyngeal part is the slip of the superior pharyngeal constrictor that arises from the posterior end of the mylohyoid line of the mandible. Its fibres sweep backward to insert into the median pharyngeal raphe and the pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone, joining the other superior slips. Functionally it contributes to constricting the upper pharynx during swallowing and to the elevation and sealing of the pharyngeal wall that keeps swallowed material from entering the nasopharynx. It is innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X) through the pharyngeal plexus. Its mandibular origin places it close to the floor of the mouth, linking the oral cavity to the pharyngeal wall.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Posterior end of the mylohyoid line of the mandible
Insertion
Median pharyngeal raphe and pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone
Action
Constricts the pharynx to propel the bolus during swallowing
Nerve
Vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus
Attachments explained
The Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Posterior end of the mylohyoid line of the mandible
Insertion
Median pharyngeal raphe and pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone
Action & function
When the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) contracts, it produces the following movement: Constricts the pharynx to propel the bolus during swallowing.
As part of the Pharynx group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) receives its nerve supply from the Vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Vagus nerve can weaken or paralyse the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part), impairing the movements it normally produces (constricts the pharynx to propel the bolus during swallowing). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) (the OIANS method)
Fix the mylopharyngeal part by its bony origin, the posterior end of the mylohyoid line of the mandible, the same line that gives rise to the mylohyoid muscle of the oral floor. Reading its name as myo of the mylohyoid line plus pharyngeal tells you exactly where it starts and that it belongs to the superior constrictor family.
Slot it into the four-part origin ladder of the superior constrictor and recall that all four insert on the median raphe and pharyngeal tubercle under the pharyngeal plexus. Because its origin is the most anterior and inferior, near the floor of the mouth, use that position to distinguish it from the higher pterygopharyngeal and cheek-based buccopharyngeal slips.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) located?
The Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) is a muscle of the Pharynx group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part)?
Posterior end of the mylohyoid line of the mandible
What is the insertion of the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part)?
Median pharyngeal raphe and pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone
What movements does the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) produce?
Constricts the pharynx to propel the bolus during swallowing
What nerve supplies the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part)?
Vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus
Is the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) free to study in OIANS?
The Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Mylopharyngeal Part) is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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