The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle is a quadrilateral muscle, thinner and paler than the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle and middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle.

Origin and insertion

The four parts of this muscle arise from:
- the lower third of the posterior margin of the medial pterygoid plate and its hamulus (Pterygopharyngeal part)
- from the pterygomandibular raphé (Buccopharyngeal part)
- from the alveolar process of the mandible above the posterior end of the mylohyoid line (Myolopharyngeal part)
- and by a few fibers from the side of the tongue (Glossopharyngeal part)

The fibers curve backward to be inserted into the median raphé, being also prolonged by means of an aponeurosis to the pharyngeal spine on the basilar part of the occipital bone.

The superior fibers arch beneath the levator veli palatini muscle and the Eustachian tube.

Relations

The interval between the upper border of the muscle and the base of the skull is closed by the pharyngeal aponeurosis, and is known as the sinus of Morgagni.

Action

As soon as the bolus of food is received in the pharynx, the elevator muscles relax, the pharynx descends, and the constrictores contract upon the bolus, and convey it downward into the esophagus.

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