Muscle Anatomy and Functions in Pharynx and Esophagus

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to the muscles of the pharynx, velum, esophagus, and their functions in swallowing.

Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor

One of the most superior muscles of the pharynx made up of four parts; function is to descend the pharynx and contract upon the bolus.

Middle Pharyngeal Constrictor

Fan-shaped muscle located in the neck that descends the pharynx and contracts upon the bolus.

Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor

Strongest pharyngeal muscle comprising two components; constricts or reduces the diameter of the pharynx and helps keep it open for breathing.

Levator Veli Palatini

Palatal elevator that elevates and retracts the velum, forming the bulk of the soft palate.

Palatoglossus

Muscle that depresses the soft palate and elevates the tongue; makes up the anterior faucial pillars.

Palatopharyngeus

Muscle that lowers the soft palate while also narrowing the pharynx, making up the posterior faucial pillars.

Longitudinal Fibers

External layer of esophageal muscles, continuous with muscular fibers of the pharynx, involved in peristalsis contraction.

Circular Fibers

Internal layer of esophageal muscles that propel food toward the stomach, continuous with the inferior constrictor muscle.

Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES)

Involves the cricopharyngeus muscle; relaxes and opens during swallow, helping decrease esophageal reflux.

Pharyngeal Phase

Phase of swallowing where muscles propel the bolus toward the esophagus and elevate the larynx.

Esophageal Phase

Reflexive stage of swallowing that begins when bolus enters the esophagus and is transported to the stomach.

Mylohyoid

Muscle that elevates hyoid and tongue; innervated by Cranial Nerve V.

Geniohyoid

Muscle that elevates hyoid and larynx; also depresses the mandible, innervated by Cranial Nerve XII.

Cricopharyngeus

Muscle that relaxes the esophageal orifice, part of the inferior constrictor, innervated by Cranial Nerve X.