palatopharyngeus muscle (pharyngopalatinus, pharyngostaphylinus)

Introduction

Forms posterior pillar of tonsillar fossa.

Origin

soft palate

Insertion

• posterior border of thyroid cartilage & aponeurosis of pharynx

Action

• narrows fauces
• depresses soft palate
• elevates pharynx & larynx

Innervation

pharyngeal plexus (cranial root of accessory nerve)

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)