Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor

Origin: pterygomandibular raphe

Insertion: median raphe of pharyngeal aponeurosis

Innervation: CN XI and X, pharyngeal plexus

Function: pulls pharyngeal wall forward, constrics pharyngeal diameter

Middle Pharyngeal Constrictor

Origin: horns of hyoid, stylohyoid ligament

Insertion: median pharyngeal raphe

Innervation: CN XI and X, pharyngeal plexus

Function: narrows diameter of pharynx

Inferior pharyngeal constrictor (cricopharyngeus)

Origin: cricoid cartilage

Insertion: orifice of esophagus

Innervation: CN XI and CN X (laryngeal nerve), pharyngeal plexus

Function: constricts superior orifice of esophagus

Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor (thyropharyngeus)

Origin: oblique line of thyroid lamina

Insertion: median pharyngeal raphe

Innervation: CN XI and X, pharyngeal plexus

Function: reduces diameter of the lower pharynx

Salpingopharyngeus

Origin: lower margin of Eustachian tube

Insertion: converges with palatopharyngeus muscle

Innervation: CN X and XI, pharyngeal plexus

Function: elevates lateral pharyngeal wall

Stylopharyngeus

Origin: styloid process

Insertion: into pharyngeal constrictors and posterior thyroid cartilage

Innervation: CN IX, muscular branch

Function: elevates and opens pharynx