The salpingopharyngeus is a small muscle arising from the pharyngeal end of the Eustachian tube (salpinx is Greek for tube) that helps open the tube during swallowing while simultaneously elevating the pharynx. It is one of the three elevators of the pharynx alongside the stylopharyngeus and palatopharyngeus. Its origin creates the salpingopharyngeal fold visible on the posterior nasopharyngeal wall, which is a landmark in nasopharyngoscopy.
| Origin | Inferior part of the Eustachian tube cartilage at the pharyngeal opening |
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| Insertion | Blends with the posterior fibres of the palatopharyngeus in the lateral pharyngeal wall |
| Nerve Supply | Pharyngeal plexus via the vagus nerve (CN X) |
| Blood Supply | Ascending pharyngeal artery |
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During swallowing, the salpingopharyngeus contributes to the coordinated pharyngeal elevation that shortens the pharyngeal tube and assists the superior constrictors in closing the nasopharynx, while its origin at the tube simultaneously assists tube opening to equalise middle ear pressure.
The salpingopharyngeal fold, raised by this muscle, runs down from the torus tubarius and is a nasopharyngoscopic landmark for the Eustachian tube opening. The pharyngeal recess (fossa of Rosenmuller) lies just behind the torus and is the commonest site of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, so it is examined on both sides during nasopharyngoscopy. Tumours in this region can block the Eustachian tube and cause conductive hearing loss from a middle ear effusion; a one-sided effusion in an adult should prompt examination of the nasopharynx.
Not accessible to external palpation. Visualised on nasopharyngoscopy as the salpingopharyngeal fold.
Nasopharyngeal pathology near the salpingopharyngeal fold blocking the Eustachian tube orifice producing conductive hearing loss from middle ear effusion.
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