Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle of the Male Head and Neck, Sagittal View

Description

Prominent in the posterior wall of the naso-, oro-, and hypopharynx, the superior pharyngeal constrictor forms a broad muscular sheet whose fibers sweep posteriorly to meet at the median pharyngeal raphe. Anteriorly, its attachment to the pterygomandibular raphe places it immediately posterior to the buccinator and adjacent to the posterior margin of the oral cavity, with the mandible and dentition shown anterior and superior in the sagittal section. Superiorly, the muscle approaches the pharyngeal tubercle region of the occipital bone at the skull base, while inferiorly it blends with the middle pharyngeal constrictor; the laryngeal framework and hyoid lie anterior to the pharyngeal lumen. Cervical vertebrae provide a posterior midline reference. Sagittal section is the teaching plane that clarifies how the pharyngeal constrictors act as a coordinated sphincter rather than isolated bands, and it makes the pterygomandibular raphe an easy landmark to orient the pharyngeal wall against the oral cavity. Dysphagia after head and neck cancer treatment often reflects impaired pharyngeal constriction and reduced bolus propulsion, and the superior constrictor is frequently included in the functional target volume during radiotherapy planning for oropharyngeal tumors. Small muscle, big consequences. Use this plate for gross anatomy and speech-language pathology curricula when explaining the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, or in ENT and maxillofacial texts to anchor discussions of the pterygomandibular raphe, buccinator continuity, and posterior pharyngeal wall mechanics in a single sagittal narrative. It also supports clinical education on post-radiation dysphagia and surgical counseling around oropharyngeal procedures. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.