Corpus: Palatopharyngeus muscle

The palatopharyngeus muscle is a long muscle that forms the posterior palatine arch (arcus palatopharyngeus) and is part of the palatal musculature. Some authors also classify it as part of the pharyngeal musculature, grouping it with the stylopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus muscles as part of the levator pharyngis muscle group.

2.1. Origin

The palatopharyngeus muscle originates from the palatal aponeurosis of the soft palate. It is divided into two fascicles by the levator veli palatini and uvulae muscles. The thicker, anterior fascicle runs between the levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini muscles, while the posterior fascicle runs directly beneath the mucosa. Both fascicles converge with the muscle on the opposite side at the midline.

2.2. Attachment

The fibers of the palatopharyngeus muscle run laterally and downward behind the palatine tonsil (tonsilla palatina), where they merge with the fibers of the stylopharyngeus muscle. Together, they insert into the posterior edge of the thyroid cartilage (cartilago thyroidea), with some fibers continuing into the lateral walls of the pharynx. During its course, the salpingopharyngeus muscle elevates the salpingopharyngeal fold (plica salpingopharyngea) on the lateral pharyngeal wall.

The palatopharyngeus muscle is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus.

The primary function of the palatopharyngeus muscle is to support the act of swallowing.