pharyngeus

Pharyngeus is a Latin adjective meaning “of the pharynx” or “pharyngeal,” used in anatomical terminology to describe structures relating to the pharynx. It is not a single muscle but appears in the names of several pharyngeal muscles, including the constrictor pharyngis muscles (superior, middle, and inferior), stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, and salpingopharyngeus.

The pharyngeal muscles form the muscular wall of the pharynx and are involved in swallowing and the coordinated movements of the soft palate and larynx. The constrictor pharyngis muscles constrict the pharyngeal lumen to propel a bolus toward the esophagus. The stylopharyngeus elevates and widens the pharynx during swallowing and speaking. The palatopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus assist by guiding the pharyngeal walls and aiding the elevation of the pharynx relative to the soft palate and auditory tube.

Innervation is via the pharyngeal plexus. The constrictor muscles, palatopharyngeus, and salpingopharyngeus are generally supplied by fibers from the pharyngeal plexus, predominantly cranial nerve X, with contributions from cranial nerve IX in some cases. The stylopharyngeus is innervated directly by cranial nerve IX.

Clinically, dysfunction of pharyngeal muscles can contribute to dysphagia and swallowing disorders, often from nerve injury, inflammation, or scarring that impairs coordinated pharyngeal movement. Etymology reflects its function: pharyng- (pharynx) plus -eus (relating to).