Stylopharyngeus
Pharynx · Head & Neck
The stylopharyngeus is a long, slender muscle that arises from the medial aspect of the styloid process of the temporal bone and descends between the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictors to insert into the posterior and superior borders of the thyroid cartilage and the pharyngeal wall. As one of the longitudinal muscles of the pharynx it elevates the larynx and pharynx during swallowing and speech, shortening the pharynx to help propel a bolus downward. It is notable as the only pharyngeal muscle supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), which it accompanies into the pharynx.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Medial aspect of the styloid process of the temporal bone
Insertion
Posterior and superior borders of the thyroid cartilage and the pharyngeal wall
Action
Elevates the larynx and pharynx during swallowing and speech
Nerve
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Attachments explained
The Stylopharyngeus 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
Medial aspect of the styloid process of the temporal bone
Insertion
Posterior and superior borders of the thyroid cartilage and the pharyngeal wall
Action & function
When the Stylopharyngeus contracts, it produces the following movement: Elevates the larynx and pharynx during swallowing and speech.
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 Stylopharyngeus receives its nerve supply from the Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Glossopharyngeal nerve can weaken or paralyse the Stylopharyngeus, impairing the movements it normally produces (elevates the larynx and pharynx during swallowing and speech). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Stylopharyngeus (the OIANS method)
Place stylopharyngeus among the styloid trio, with stylohyoid and styloglossus, all beginning at the styloid process. Its downward course into the pharynx tells you it lifts the pharynx and larynx during swallowing, the shared job of the longitudinal pharyngeal muscles.
Make the nerve the headline fact: stylopharyngeus is the single muscle supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), while its fellow elevators run on the vagus. Remembering that CN IX travels with this muscle into the pharynx keeps this favourite exam exception firmly in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Stylopharyngeus located?
The Stylopharyngeus is a muscle of the Pharynx group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Stylopharyngeus?
Medial aspect of the styloid process of the temporal bone
What is the insertion of the Stylopharyngeus?
Posterior and superior borders of the thyroid cartilage and the pharyngeal wall
What movements does the Stylopharyngeus produce?
Elevates the larynx and pharynx during swallowing and speech
What nerve supplies the Stylopharyngeus?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Is the Stylopharyngeus free to study in OIANS?
The Stylopharyngeus 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 Stylopharyngeus
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.