Ceratopharyngeus
Tongue & Throat
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The name ‘ceratopharyngeus’ points to its attachment near the ‘horn’ of the hyoid bone. ‘Cerato-’ means horn-like, and this part comes from the greater horn/cornu of the hyoid.
Function
Constricts the pharyngeal wall during swallowing, helping push the bolus toward the esophagus. As part of the middle pharyngeal constrictor, it contributes to the sequential squeezing action of the pharynx.
Origin
Superior margin / upper border of the greater cornu of the hyoid bone.
Insertion
Median pharyngeal raphe, where fibers blend with the opposite side and other constrictor fibers.
Innervation
Pharyngeal plexus, primarily via the vagus nerve (CN X).