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The Stylopharyngeus is a long, slender muscle, cylindrical above, flattened below.
It arises from the medial side of the base of the styloid process, passes downward along the side of the pharynx between the Constrictores superior and medius, and spreads out beneath the mucous membrane.
Some of its fibers are lost in the Constrictor muscles, while others, joining with the Pharyngopalatinus, are inserted into the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage.
The stylopharyngeus:
- elevates the larynx
- elevates the pharynx
- dilates the pharynx to permit the passage of a large food bolus, so facilitating swallowing
The glossopharyngeal nerve runs on the lateral side of this muscle, and crosses over it to reach the tongue.
External links
"Stylopharyngeus muscle"