Muscle Compressing the Pharynx, Superior (M. Constrictor Pharyngis Superior, Pna, Bna)

The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (lat. Musculus constrictor pharyngeus superior) is a muscle of the head and neck that belongs to the external muscles of the larynx. The muscle starts from the medial side of the upper third of the thyroid cartilage and is attached to the epiglottis, cricoid bone and arytenoid bone. The function of the muscle is to narrow the lumen of the larynx and hyoid bone, as well as to adduct the arytenoid cartilages and epiglottis.

**Muscles are special organs of the body designed to move and perform certain functions.** All living beings possess them and they create the possibility of life. Some of these muscles are powerful and so strong that a person cannot control them.

**M.** **Constrictor** **Pharyngis** **Superior (PNA,BNA and SMA)** is an anatomical structure that is part of the superior pharyngeal muscle and is responsible for constricting the throat. This muscle is located between the thyroid gland and the esophagus in the front of the neck. It consists of smooth muscle fibers that provide contraction and relaxation of the throat.

When the muscle contracts the throat, it causes the throat passages to narrow, allowing only a small amount of air to pass through their outlets, which becomes important when shouting or communicating. When the muscle relaxes and expands, air begins to flow freely through the throat. In the upper part, this muscle is adjacent to the lateral surface of the thyroid gland and is adjacent to the jugular fossa on one side and to the fascia of the sternohyoid space on the other. In the lower part of the sternal region of this space, the muscle borders the layer of the superficial layers of the pectoral muscle. On both sides of the upper part of the muscle, the contiguous ends of the clavicles protrude from the front of the sternum. Because the muscle brings the thyroid gland and trachea together, it protects the upper airway and larynx from damage and helps ensure proper breathing. If the movement of this muscle is impaired, voice problems, shortness of breath, and even respiratory tract diseases can occur. Therefore, it is important to take care of the health of this anatomical structure and prevent possible diseases and disorders in its functioning.