superior constrictor

:  a 4-sided muscle of the pharynx that arises from the posterior and medial parts of the pterygoid plate, from the pterygomandibular raphe, from the alveolar process above the end of the mylohyoid line, and from the side of the tongue, that inserts into the median line at the back of the pharynx, and that acts to constrict part of the pharynx in swallowing—called also constrictor pharyngis superior, superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle; compare inferior constrictor, middle constrictor