Anatomy

Pharyngeal Muscles

The muscles of the PHARYNX are voluntary muscles arranged in two layers. The external circular layer consists of three constrictors (superior, middle, and inferior). The internal longitudinal layer consists of the palatopharyngeus, the salpingopharyngeus, and the stylopharyngeus. During swallowing, the outer layer constricts the pharyngeal wall and the inner layer elevates pharynx and LARYNX.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The muscles of the PHARYNX are voluntary muscles arranged in two layers. The external circular layer consists of three constrictors (superior, middle, and inferior). The internal longitudinal layer consists of the palatopharyngeus, the salpingopharyngeus, and the stylopharyngeus. During swallowing, the outer layer constricts the pharyngeal wall and the inner layer elevates pharynx and LARYNX.

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Classification

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

13 entry terms
  • Muscles of Pharynx
  • Muscle, Pharyngeal
  • Muscles, Pharyngeal
  • Pharyngeal Muscle
  • Pharynx Muscle
  • Pharynx Muscles
  • Palatopharyngeal Muscle
  • Palatopharyngeus
  • Salpingopharyngeus
  • Stylopharyngeus
  • Velopharyngeal Muscle
  • Muscle, Palatopharyngeal
  • Muscle, Velopharyngeal

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

/growth: coordinate with MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT; /embryol: coordinate with MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT if pertinent

MeSH Record

History Note

1991(1979); use MUSCLES 1979-1990; for CRICOPHARYNGEUS MUSCLE use ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER, UPPER 2005-2008

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Muscles (1966-1978)
  • Pharynx (1966-1978)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Pharyngeal Muscles. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D010609. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D010609
  2. Pharyngeal Muscles. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharyngeal_muscles
  3. Pharyngeal Muscles. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7180883