Muscles of the pharynx (English)

The constrictor muscles on either side of the pharynx are the main components of the pharyngeal wall. These muscles are named according to their position: superior, middle, and inferior. The inferior constrictor muscle is further divided into thyropharyngeal and cricopharyngeal parts. Posteriorly, these muscles come together in the midline at the pharyngeal raphe. The muscular sleeve formed by these muscles has a strong internal lining known as the pharyngobasilar fascia which is particularly evident superior to the level of the superior constrictor; here the pharyngeal wall is formed almost completely of fascia. The longitudinal/elevator muscles of the pharynx are located deep to their circular counterparts and include the stylopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus and palatopharyngeus muscles, which originate from the styloid process of temporal bone, auditory tube and soft palate, respectively.