Which muscle of the pharynx is the ONLY one that receives its motor supply directly from the glossopharyngeal nerve rather than from the pharyngeal plexus?

• A Stylopharyngeus ✓
• B Superior constrictor
• C Salpingopharyngeus
• D Middle constrictor

Explanation

Stylopharyngeus is embryologically a third arch muscle and is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve, which descends with it between the internal and external carotid arteries. All other pharyngeal muscles, including the three constrictors, salpingopharyngeus and palatopharyngeus, receive motor fibres through the pharyngeal plexus formed by the vagus with a small glossopharyngeal sensory contribution. This exception is a standard examination point because the pharyngeal plexus is otherwise described as the sole motor supply of the pharynx.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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