Anatomy

Origin

It arises from the under surface of the apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone and from the medial lamina of the cartilage of the auditory tube.    

Insertion

After passing above the upper concave margin of the Superior Constrictor of the Pharynx it spreads out in the palatine velum, its fibers extending obliquely downward and medialward to the middle line, where they blend with those of the opposite side.

Nerve

Pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X).

Actions

Involved in swallowing.