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Superior constrictor muscle (pharynx, anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx is one of the paired external muscles of the pharynx. It arises from several sites:

  • inferior two-thirds of medial pterygoid plate in continuity with the pterygoid hamulus
  • pterygomandibular raphe
  • posterior end of mylohyoid line on mandible

It inserts into the:

  • superior part of the median pharyngeal raphe
  • pharyngeal tubercle on the clivus of the occiput

Superior constrictor constricts the wall of the pharynx during swallowing.

It is innervated via the pharyngeal plexus.

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