stylopharyngeus muscle
The stylopharyngeus muscle is in the head and neck region, and one of the inner longitudinal muscles of the pharynx.
Summary
- origin: styloid process of the temporal bone
- insertion: thyroid cartilage
- innervation: glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- action: elevates the larynx and pharynx; swallowing
Gross anatomy
Origin
It originates from the medial aspect of the styloid process at the base of the temporal bone where it is cylindrical in shape.
Insertion
It courses inferiorly adjacent to the pharynx where it flattens out, passing between the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictor muscles. A few fibers merge with the lateral glossoepiglottic fold and the constrictor muscles. Other fibers join the palatopharyngeus muscle to attach onto the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage.
Arterial supply
- arterial supply: pharyngeal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery, from the ECA
Venous drainage
- venous drainage: via veins corresponding to the named arteries
Innervation
The muscle receives motor innervation from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
Action
- elevation of the larynx and pharynx
- deglutition
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