laryngopharygeus (upper esophageal sphincter, cricopharyngeus)

Introduction

Inferior constrictor muscle of pharynx; lowest part of outer circular muscle layer of pharynx.

Origin

• outer surfaces of thyroid cartilage & cricoid cartilage

Insertion

pharyngeal raphe in the posterior wall of the pharynx

Action

• narrows lower part of the pharynx in swallowing
• cricopharyngeus has a sphincter component for esophagus, allowing some voluntary control of eructation & reflux

Innervation

pharyngeal plexus

Pathology

• retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)

Additional terms

• retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction; abelchia; no-burp syndrome