Corpus: Stylopharyngeus muscle

The stylopharyngeus muscle is a long, slender muscle that extends from the styloid process to the pharynx, forming part of the pharyngeal musculature. It is sometimes grouped with the palatopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus muscles as part of the levator pharyngis muscle group.

2.1. Origin

The stylopharyngeus muscle originates from the medial side of the styloid process of the temporal bone. It runs steeply downward along the pharynx, passing between the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictor muscles.

2.2. Attachment

The fibers of the stylopharyngeus muscle blend with those of the other pharyngeal constrictor muscles and extend beneath the pharyngeal mucosa. Some fibers join the palatopharyngeus muscle and insert at the posterior edge of the thyroid cartilage.

The stylopharyngeus muscle is innervated by special visceromotor branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX). Notably, it is the only pharyngeal muscle that is not innervated by the pharyngeal plexus.

The stylopharyngeus muscle elevates and widens the pharynx, aiding in the process of swallowing.