Pharyngeal muscles
Pharyngeal Muscles
The Pharyngeal Muscles (pronunciation: /fəˈrɪndʒəl ˈmʌsəlz/) are a group of muscles crucial for various functions such as swallowing and speech.
Etymology
The term "Pharyngeal" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx" which means throat, and "muscle" comes from the Latin "musculus" meaning little mouse, due to the appearance of some muscles.
Anatomy
The Pharyngeal Muscles are divided into two main groups: the Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscles and the Longitudinal Pharyngeal Muscles.
- The Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscles consist of the Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle, the Middle Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle, and the Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle. These muscles are responsible for the constriction of the pharynx during swallowing.
- The Longitudinal Pharyngeal Muscles include the Stylopharyngeus, Salpingopharyngeus, and Palatopharyngeus. These muscles help in elevating the pharynx and larynx during swallowing and speech.
Function
The primary function of the Pharyngeal Muscles is to facilitate swallowing and speech. They contract in a coordinated manner to push food from the mouth into the Esophagus. They also play a role in vocalization by altering the shape and size of the Pharynx.
Related Terms
- Pharynx: The part of the throat situated behind the mouth and nasal cavity.
- Esophagus: The tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
- Larynx: The hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords.
- Swallowing: The process by which food passes from the mouth, to the pharynx, and into the esophagus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pharyngeal muscles
- Wikipedia's article - Pharyngeal muscles
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