Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part)
Pharynx · Head & Neck
The pterygopharyngeal part is the uppermost slip of the superior pharyngeal constrictor. It arises from the posterior border and hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate and passes backward to insert into the median pharyngeal raphe and the pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone. With the other slips of the superior constrictor it narrows the upper pharynx and, together with the palate, helps seal the nasopharynx from the oropharynx during swallowing to prevent nasal regurgitation. It is innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X) through the pharyngeal plexus. Above its free upper border lies the sinus of Morgagni, where the levator veli palatini and the auditory tube pass into the pharynx.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Posterior border and hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate
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 (Pterygopharyngeal 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 border and hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate
Insertion
Median pharyngeal raphe and pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone
Action & function
When the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal 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 (Pterygopharyngeal 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 (Pterygopharyngeal 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 (Pterygopharyngeal Part) (the OIANS method)
Learn the pterygopharyngeal part as the highest of the four named origins of the superior constrictor, springing from the medial pterygoid plate and its hamulus. Because it inserts as high as the pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone, remember it as the slip that reaches the skull base, which explains its role in walling off the nasopharynx during a swallow.
Tie it to the sinus of Morgagni, the gap above the superior constrictor's upper margin through which levator veli palatini and the auditory tube reach the pharynx. Since all four superior slips share the median raphe and the pharyngeal plexus, using this skull-base landmark keeps the pterygopharyngeal fibres distinct from the lower buccopharyngeal, mylopharyngeal, and glossopharyngeal parts.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part) located?
The Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part) is a muscle of the Pharynx group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part)?
Posterior border and hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate
What is the insertion of the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part)?
Median pharyngeal raphe and pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone
What movements does the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part) produce?
Constricts the pharynx to propel the bolus during swallowing
What nerve supplies the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part)?
Vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus
Is the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part) free to study in OIANS?
The Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal 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
Study the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor (Pterygopharyngeal Part)
Test yourself on Head & Neck muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.