The palatopharyngeus muscle originates from the posterior hard palate, the palatine aponeurosis, and inserts into the thyroid cartilage. The inner longitudinal layer consists of the palatopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus, and stylopharyngeus muscles. These constrictor muscles work together and contract to push food after swallowing to propel it from the oral cavity into the esophagus. When the inferior constrictors contract, they constrict the lower portion of the pharynx. The cricopharyngeus muscle originates from the cricoid cartilage and blends into the esophageal muscle. The thyropharyngeus muscle originates from the thyroid cartilage and inserts into the median pharyngeal raphe. The inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle further divides into two muscles, the thyropharyngeus, and the cricopharyngeus muscle. The middle constrictor muscle contracts to constrict the middle portion of the pharynx. The middle constrictor inserts into the median pharyngeal raphe as well as blending in with fibers of the superior and inferior constrictors. The middle constrictor muscle originates from the greater and lesser horn of the hyoid bone and stylohyoid ligament. When the superior constrictor muscle contracts, it constricts the upper portion of the pharynx. The pharyngeal raphe is a midline tendinous seam where the constrictor muscles meet. This superior constrictor muscle inserts into the base of the skull at the pharyngeal tubercle and the pharyngeal raphe. The superior constrictor muscle originates from the pterygoid process, posterior end of the mylohyoid line of mandible, and the pterygomandibular ligament/raphe.

The outer circular layer consists of the superior, middle, and inferior constrictor muscles.

Pharyngeal constrictor