Pharynx: Constrictor Muscles

Question 1

Constrictor muscles

Answer 1

1. Superior constrictor muscle
2. Middle constrictor muscle
3. Inferior constrictor muscle

Question 2

Superior constrictor origin

Answer 2

1. Pterygoid Hamulus
2. Mylohyoid line posterior end
3. Pterygomandibular raphe

Question 3

Superior constrictor insertion

Answer 3

Median fibrous raphe (from pharyngeal tubercle in midline of pharynx posterior wall)

Question 4

Middle constrictor origin

Answer 4

1. Stylohyoid ligament (lower end)
2. Lesser and greater horns hyoid

Question 5

Middle constrictor insertion

Answer 5

Median fibrous raphe (overlapping superior constrictor)

Question 6

Inferior constrictor origin

Answer 6

1. Thyropharyngeus part
   Oblique: oblique line and inferior horn thyroid cartilage
2. Cricopharyngeus part
   Horizontal: side cricoid cartilage

Question 7

Inferior constrictor insertion

Answer 7

Median fibrous raphe (upper fibers overlap middle constrictor)

Question 8

Constrictor muscles nerve supply

Answer 8

Pharyngeal plexus (cranial root accessory via pharyngeal branch vagus)
Inferior constrictor receives additional supply from external and recurrent laryngeal nerves

Question 9

Constrictor muscles action

Answer 9

Pharynx constriction

Question 10

Gaps in lateral wall

Answer 10

4 gaps

Question 11

1st gap

Answer 11

Above superior constrictor
1. Tensor palati
2. Ascending palatine artery
3. Levator palati
4. Auditory tube
These structures pierce pharyngobasilar fascia

Question 12

2nd gap

Answer 12

Between superior and middle constrictors
1. Stylopharyngeus muscle
2. Glossopharyngeal nerve

Question 13

3rd gap

Answer 13

Between middle and inferior constrictors
1. Superior laryngeal artery
2. Internal laryngeal nerve
These structures pierce thyrohyoid membrane

Question 14

4th gap

Answer 14

Below inferior constrictor
1. Inferior laryngeal artery
2. Recurrent laryngeal nerve