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Salpingopharyngeus

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Original Author(s): Max Bidewell
Last updated: February 3, 2023
Revisions: 4

Original Author(s): Max Bidewell
Last updated: February 3, 2023
Revisions: 4

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The salpingopharyngeus is a muscle of the pharynx. In addition to elevating the pharynx, this muscle also widens the Eustachian tube to help equalise the pressure in the middle ear.

  • Attachments: Originates from the Eustachian tube and inserts onto the pharyngeal wall.
  • Action: Elevation of the pharynx during swallowing.
  • Innervation: Vagus nerve (CN X).
  • Blood supply: Ascending palatine branch of facial artery, greater palatine branch of maxillary artery and the pharyngeal branch of ascending pharyngeal artery.

Fig 3 – Posterior view of the pharynx. The pharynx has been split down the midline and opened, to show the longitudinal muscles.