Fig. 1031 - Muscles of the pharynx, viewed from behind, together with the associated vessels and nerves.]]
The ('''Superior constrictor''') is a quadrilateral muscle, thinner and paler than the
Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle and
Middle Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle .
It arises from the lower third of the posterior margin of the
Medial Pterygoid Plate and its
Hamulus , from the
Pterygomandibular Raphé , from the
Alveolar Process of the
Mandible above the posterior end of the
Mylohyoid Line , and by a few fibers from the side of the
Tongue .
The fibers curve backward to be inserted into the
Median Raphé , being also prolonged by means of an
Aponeurosis to the
Pharyngeal Spine on the basilar part of the
Occipital Bone .
The superior fibers arch beneath the
Levator Veli Palatini and the
Auditory Tube . The interval between the upper border of the muscle and the base of the skull is closed by the pharyngeal aponeurosis, and is known as the sinus of Morgagni.
