Anatomy

Origin

The middle pharyngeal constrictor arises from the whole length of the upper border of the greater cornu of the hyoid bone, from the lesser cornu, and from the stylohyoid ligament.

Insertion

It is inserted into the posterior median fibrous raphe, blending in the middle line with the muscle of the opposite side.

Nerve

It is innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X), by branches from the pharyngeal plexus and by neuronal branches from the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Actions

As soon as the bolus of food is received in the pharynx, the elevator muscles relax, the pharynx descends, and the constrictors contract upon the bolus, and convey it downward into the esophagus. They also have respiratory mechanical effects.