middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle the middle pharyngeal constrictor is a fan-shaped muscle located in the neck. it is one of three pharyngeal constrictor muscles. it is smaller than the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. middle pharyngeal constrictor musclemuscles of the pharynx and cheek (middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle labeled as constrictor pharyngis medius at center left)muscles of the pharynx, viewed from behind, together with the associated vessels and nerves (middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle labeled as mid. constr. at center)detailsoriginhyoid boneinsertionpharyngeal raphearteryascending pharyngeal arterynervepharyngeal plexus of vagus nerveactionsswallowingidentifierslatinmusculus constrictor pharyngis mediusta98a05.3.01.108ta22184fma46622anatomical terms of muscle the middle pharyngeal constrictor originates from the greater cornu and lesser cornu of the hyoid bone, and the stylohyoid ligament. it inserts onto the pharyngeal raphe. it is innervated by a branch of the vagus nerve through the pharyngeal plexus. it acts to propel a bolus downwards along the pharynx towards the esophagus, facilitating swallowing. structure the fibers diverge from their origin: the lower ones descend beneath the constrictor inferior, the middle fibers pass transversely, and the upper fibers ascend and overlap the constrictor superior. origin the middle pharyngeal constrictor arises from the whole length of the upper border of the greater cornu of the hyoid bone, the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone, and from the stylohyoid ligament. insertion the middle pharyngeal constrictor inserts posteriorly into the pharyngeal raphe, blending with its contralateral partner at the midline. innervation similarly to the superior and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles, it is innervated by a branch of the vagus nerve through the pharyngeal plexus. function as soon as the bolus of food is received in the pharynx, the elevator muscles relax, the pharynx descends, and the constrictors contract upon the bolus, and convey it downward into the esophagus. they also have respiratory mechanical effects. additional images hyoid bone. anterior surface. enlarged. muscles of the neck. lateral view. middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind