The superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx is one of the paired external muscles of the pharynx. It arises from several sites:

• inferior two-thirds of medial pterygoid plate in continuity with the pterygoid hamulus
• pterygomandibular raphe
• posterior end of mylohyoid line on mandible

It inserts into the:

• superior part of the median pharyngeal raphe
• pharyngeal tubercle on the clivus of the occiput

Superior constrictor constricts the wall of the pharynx during swallowing.

It is innervated via the pharyngeal plexus.