Stylopharyngeus muscle

The stylopharyngeus muscle is a muscle in the throat that connects the temporal styloid process of the skull to the pharynx. When contracted, it raises the larynx and pharynx and dialates the pharynx, assisting in swallowing.

Origin
The stylopharyngeus muscle originates from the temporal styloid process on the medial aspect.

Insertion
The stylopharyngeus muscle inserts in the pharynx at the posterior lateral border of the thyroid cartilage.

Innervation
The stylopharyngeus is innervated by the muscular branch of glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).