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Thyropharyngeal Part of Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor
Muscular System

Thyropharyngeal Part of Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor

Pars thyreopharyngea constrictoris inferioris pharyngis

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Quick Facts

Origin: Oblique line and inferior cornu of thyroid cartilage.

Insertion: Pharyngeal raphe.

Action: Constriction of mid-pharynx during swallowing.

Innervation: Pharyngeal plexus (CN X).

Arterial Supply: Ascending pharyngeal artery and pharyngeal branches of inferior thyroid artery.

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Origin

The inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle is the thickest of the three constrictor muscles. It can be divided into the thyropharyngeus and the cricopharyngeus, which are named according to their laryngeal attachments. The thyropharyngeus muscle originates from the oblique line of the thyroid lamina, with additional fibers arise from the inferior cornu as well as a tendinous cord of fascia overlying the cricothyroid (Standring, 2016).

Insertion

Both portions of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle course posteromedially and merge with their contralateral counterpart along the pharyngeal raphe.

Actions

The thyropharyngeal part constricts the lower pharynx.

References

Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.

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