nielemälihasten

Nielejäihasten, often referred to as pharyngeal muscles, are a group of muscles located in the pharynx, the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the esophagus and larynx. These muscles play a crucial role in the process of swallowing, also known as deglutition. They are primarily involved in propelling food and liquid from the oral cavity down into the esophagus.

The pharyngeal muscles can be broadly categorized into the constrictor muscles and the longitudinal muscles. The superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal constrictors form a muscular tube that contracts sequentially, creating a wave-like motion to push the bolus of food downwards. The longitudinal muscles, such as the stylopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus, and palatopharyngeus, help to shorten and widen the pharynx, assisting in the upward movement of the larynx and hyoid bone during swallowing.

These muscles are innervated by cranial nerves, primarily the vagus nerve (CN X) and the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), which control their coordinated contractions. The action of the nielejäihasten is essential not only for nutrient intake but also for preventing aspiration, the entry of food or liquid into the airway. Dysfunctions in these muscles can lead to dysphagia, a condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing, which can have significant health implications.