The salpingopharyngeus muscle is a muscle of the pharynx. It arises from cartilage of the Eustachian tube, and inserts into the palatopharyngeus muscle by blending with its posterior fasciculus. It is innervated by vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) via the pharyngeal plexus. It raises the pharynx and larynx during deglutition (swallowing) and laterally draws the pharyngeal walls up. It opens the pharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube during swallowing to allow for the equalization of pressure between it and the pharynx. Structure It passes downward and blends with the posterior fasciculus of the palatopharyngeus muscle. Origin The salpingopharyngeus muscle arises from the superior border of the medial cartilage of the Eustachian tube, in the nasal cavity. This makes the posterior welt of the torus tubarius. Innervation The salpingopharyngeus is supplied by the vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus. Blood supply The salpingopharyngeus muscle is supplied by the ascending pharyngeal artery. Variation The salpingopharyngeus muscle is absent in about 40% of individuals. It is more common in thin individuals. Function The salpingopharyngeus muscle raises the pharynx and larynx during deglutition (swallowing) and laterally draws the pharyngeal walls up. Unusually, it is relaxed during deglutition, but contracts at all other times. It opens the pharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube during swallowing allowing for the equalization of pressure between the it and the pharynx. See also Salpinx Additional images References External links Illustration at princetonchiropractic.com Muscles of the head and neck Pharynx