The inferior pharyngeal constrictor is a muscle of the pharynx. It is described as having two components – the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus. Attachments: Thyropharyngeal fibres originate from the thyroid cartilage Cricopharyngeal fibres originate from the cricoid cartilage All fibres insert posteriorly onto the pharyngeal raphe. Action: Constricts the wall of the pharynx during swallowing to propel the food bolus downwards. Innervation: Vagus nerve (CN X) Blood Supply: Pharyngeal branch of ascending thyroid artery and branches of inferior thyroid artery By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 1Lateral view of the deep structures of the pharynx. Visible are the circular muscles of the pharynx, and the stylopharyngeus. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Print Article Rate This Article