Muscles of the Pharynx form the muscular wall of the pharynx. Theses are – Stylo– pharyngeus, Palato-pharyngeus, Pterygo-pharyngeus. Aryteno-pharyngeus, Hyo-pharyngeus, Thyro-pharyngeus, Crico-pharyngeus.
Stylo– pharyngeus
- Arises from the great cornu or hyoid bone, near its dorsal extremity.
- It is the dilator of the pharynx.
Palato-pharyngeus
- Arises from the vertical part of the palatine and body of the sphenoid bones.
- It shortens the pharynx.
Pterygo-pharyngeus
- Arises from the pterygoid process.
- It shortens the pharynx.
Aryteno-pharyngeus
- Small muscle arises from the posterior aspect of the arytenoid cartilage.
Hyo-pharyngeus
- Arises from the thyroid cornu of the hyoid bone.
Thyro-pharyngeus
- Arises from the lamina of thyroid cartilage.
Crico-pharyngeus
- Arises from the lateral part of the arch of the cricoid cartilage.
- Action of the last three muscles: Constriction of the pharynx.
- Blood supply: Common carotid, external carotid and external maxillary arteries.
- Nerve supply: Fifth, ninth and tenth cranial nerves.
