Stylopharyngeus muscle

Stylopharyngeus muscle
origin
Styloid process
approach
Pharynx wall
function
Pharyngeal elevator
Innervation
Glossopharyngeal nerve

The stylopharyngeus muscle ( Latin for "stylus-pharynx-muscle") is a narrow skeletal muscle of the head with a roughly round cross-section . It arises at the stylus process ( processus styloideus ) of the temporal bone and radiates into the pharynx wall . The muscle, together with the musculus salpingopharyngeus and musculus palatopharyngeus, lifts the throat during the act of swallowing . The innervation is provided by the glossopharyngeal nerve ( cranial nerve IX).