Stylopharyngeus

Stylopharyngeus is a muscle in the pharynx, or throat, that is involved in swallowing. It is the only muscle that is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Anatomy

The stylopharyngeus originates from the base of the styloid process of the temporal bone. It descends between the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein down to the sides of the pharynx and the thyroid cartilage. It then inserts into the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage.

Function

The main function of the stylopharyngeus is to elevate the pharynx and larynx during swallowing and speech. It also helps to widen the pharynx to allow the passage of a large food bolus.

Clinical significance

Damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve can result in a loss of function of the stylopharyngeus. This can cause difficulty in swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia.

See also

• Styloid process
• Glossopharyngeal nerve
• Pharynx

Stylopharyngeus Resources
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References

External links

• Stylopharyngeus at AnatomyExpert.com
• Stylopharyngeus muscle at Radiopaedia.org

Further reading

• Moore, Keith L.; Dalley, Arthur F.; Agur, Anne M.R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1-4511-1945-9.
• Netter, Frank H. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy. Elsevier. ISBN 978-1-4557-0418-7.