# continued: Spaces Delineated by the Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscles

Lets take a closer look at the Spaces using the diagram at left riddled with anatomy
Click on the image for a larger view

 
  • Gap #1: Gap between the superior constrictor and base of the skull:
    1. Eustachian tube
    2. Tensor veli palatini m.
    3. Levator veli palatini m.
    4. Ascending pharyngeal artery (tonsillar br.)

 
  • Gap #2: Gap between superior and middle constrictor:
    1. Tonsillar Br of the Facial a.
    2. Styloglossus m.
    3. Stylohyoid Ligament
    4. Hyoglossus m.
    5. CN XII
    6. Stylopharyngeus
    7. CN IX
    8. Cervical N #1
    9. Lingual a.

 

 

  • Gap #3: Gap below the origin of the middle constrictor is covered by the thyrohyoid membrane
    1. Internal laryngeal nerve (from Superior laryngeal n.)
    2. Superior laryngeal artery (from Superior Thyroid a.) into the larynx.

 

  • Gap #4: Gap below the inferior constrictor piercing the pharyngeal wall to enter the larynx
    1. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (CN X)
    2. Inferior laryngeal artery (from inferior thyroid a.)

 

Please click here to view more information about the pharynx