Pharyngeal Raphe

raphe pharyngis

The pharyngeal raphe is the tendinous midline seam of the posterior pharyngeal wall, formed by the interlacing fibres of the superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal constrictors meeting at the midline. It attaches superiorly to the pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone and transmits the constrictor forces to the posterior pharyngeal wall.

Region: Neck

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The pharyngeal raphe is the midline landmark in posterior pharyngeal surgery, including retropharyngeal abscess drainage and posterior pharyngoplasty. The prevertebral fascia and retropharyngeal space lie immediately posterior to the raphe. Zenker diverticulum develops at the killian's dehiscence — a weakness between the oblique thyropharyngeal fibres and the horizontal cricopharyngeal fibres just below the inferior constrictor raphe.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Zenker Diverticulum

Posterior pharyngeal herniation through Killian's dehiscence in the inferior pharyngeal constrictor raphe, producing dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, and halitosis, treated by cricopharyngeal myotomy with or without diverticular suspension.