HYOPHARYNGEUS Meaning and
Definition
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Hyopharyngeus is a term commonly used in anatomy and biology to refer to a specific muscle located in the human throat, known as the pharynx. The pharynx is the muscular tube that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the esophagus and larynx.
The hyopharyngeus muscle is one of the key muscles found in this region, specifically in the hypopharynx. It originates from the hyoid bone, which is a U-shaped bone located in the front of the neck, and inserts into the thyroid cartilage, another structure in the neck known as the "Adam's apple."
The primary function of the hyopharyngeus muscle is to assist in the process of swallowing. It contracts and relaxes in coordination with other muscles in the pharynx to aid in the propulsion of food or liquid from the mouth to the esophagus. This peristaltic action helps facilitate the efficient passage of food, ensuring it is directed downward towards the digestive system.
The hyopharyngeus muscle also plays a role in maintaining the patency of the airway. During inspiration, it helps widen the pharynx, contributing to the openness of the respiratory passage.
In summary, the hyopharyngeus muscle is an important component of the throat anatomy that participates in the swallowing process and maintains airway patency.
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Musculus constrictor pharyngis medius.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYOPHARYNGEUS
- gyopharyngeus
- byopharyngeus
- nyopharyngeus
- jyopharyngeus
- uyopharyngeus
- yyopharyngeus
- htopharyngeus
- hgopharyngeus
- hhopharyngeus
- huopharyngeus
- h7opharyngeus
- h6opharyngeus
- hyipharyngeus
- hykpharyngeus
- hylpharyngeus
- hyppharyngeus
- hy0pharyngeus
- hy9pharyngeus
- hyooharyngeus
- hyolharyngeus
Etymology of HYOPHARYNGEUS
The word "hyopharyngeus" originates from the combination of two Greek roots: "hyo" and "pharynx".
1. "Hyo" comes from the Greek word "hyoeides", which means "shaped like the letter upsilon (Υ)". This refers to the shape of the hyoid bone, which is a U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
2. "Pharynx" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx", meaning "throat" or "windpipe". It refers to the muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity to the larynx and esophagus.
When combined, "hyopharyngeus" refers to a muscle found in the throat region, specifically the hyoid bone area. This muscle plays a role in swallowing and raising the larynx during the process.
