NEET PG Medical – 2016 – Question – 94
Which muscle causes opening of the upper end of esophagus?
a) Epiglottis
b) Thyropharyngeus
c) Stylopharyngeus
d) Cricopharyngeus of inferior constrictor
Show Answer
Correct Answer – D
Ans. is ‘D’ i.e., Cricopharyngeus of inferior constrictor [Ref Hall, Arthur C. Guyton, John E. (2005). Textbook of medical physiology (11th ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. p. 782-784.]
Upper esophageal sphinctor
- The upper esophageal sphincter surrounds the upper part of the esophagus.
- It consists of skeletal muscle, but is not under voluntary control.
- Opening of the upper esophageal sphincter is triggered by the swallowing reflex.
- The primary muscle of the upper esophageal sphincter is the cricopharyngeal part of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor.
