salpingopharyngeus

Salpingopharyngeus is a slender muscle of the pharynx that runs along the lateral wall of the throat. It originates from the inferior portion of the cartilaginous pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube and descends to blend with the palatopharyngeus muscle as it extends downward along the pharyngeal wall.

Fibers of the salpingopharyngeus insert with or into the palatopharyngeus on the lateral aspect of the pharynx, contributing to the muscular complex that elevates the pharynx during swallowing. By pulling on the pharyngotympanic tube, the muscle also aids in opening the auditory tube, which helps equalize pressure in the middle ear during swallowing and yawning.

Innervation is provided by the pharyngeal plexus, primarily from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), with possible minor contributions from the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).

Functionally, the salpingopharyngeus acts to elevate the pharynx during swallowing and to assist in ventilating the middle ear by facilitating opening of the auditory tube. It is one of several pharyngeal muscles that coordinate swallowing and auditory tube function.

Clinical relevance is generally limited; isolated pathology of salpingopharyngeus is uncommon. It may be considered in assessments of Eustachian tube function or during surgical procedures involving the pharynx or middle ear, where the muscle’s integrity can influence airway and middle-ear dynamics.