Head and neck muscles (chewing, facial, and throat muscles)

Stylopharyngeus

Musculus stylopharyngeus

Origin

Medial side of the styloid process of the temporal bone

Insertion

Upper and posterior border of the thyroid cartilage, with fibers blending into the pharyngeal constrictors

Function

Elevates the pharynx and larynx and widens the pharynx during swallowing

Innervation

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), the only pharyngeal muscle innervated by CN IX

Movement & chain

Works together with palatopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus to elevate and widen the pharynx and larynx during swallowing; the only pharyngeal muscle independent of the vagus nerve.

Palpation

Not palpable through neck tissues; descends between superior and middle pharyngeal constrictors.

Clinical

Runs in close relation to the internal and external carotid arteries; an anatomically relevant landmark in tonsillectomy and other throat surgery.

Segmental innervation

Motor via the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX); no spinal segment.

In clinical practice

Sole muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX); elevates pharynx during swallowing; clinical assessment in brainstem stroke dysphagia.

Region in the model

Head and neck muscles (chewing, facial, and throat muscles)