Cricopharyngeus Muscle

**Semantic type:** Body Part, Organ, or Organ Component

**Definition:** A muscle originating from the outer sides of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that is inserted into the pharyngeal raphe in the posterior portion of the wall of the pharynx and is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus. The cricopharyngeus muscle aids in swallowing by narrowing the lower part of the pharynx to move a bolus into the esophagus.

**Synonyms:** - Cricopharyngeal Part of Inferior Constrictor Pharyngeus Muscle - Inferior Constrictor Muscle of Pharynx - Inferior Constrictor Muscle of the Pharynx - Structure of cricopharyngeal part of inferior constrictor pharyngeus muscle (body structure)