superior constrictor

Medical Definition of 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

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Dictionary Entries near superior constrictor

superior cervical sympathetic ganglion

superior colliculus

superior concha

superior constrictor

superior epigastric artery

superior extensor retinaculum

superior ganglion

Cite this Entry

“Superior constrictor.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/superior%20constrictor. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.