Growth in fetuses of the constrictor pharyngis superior with special reference to its meeting with the buccinator: an embryological basis of adult variations in palatopharyngeal anatomy

Purpose The constrictor pharyngis superior (CPS) initially develops along the posterior wall of the pharyngeal mucosal tube, whereas, during the early phase, the buccinators (BC) are far anterolateral to the CPS. The process and timing of their meeting during fetal growth have not been determined. Methods The topographical relationship between the growing BC and CPS was assessed in histological sections from 22 early- and mid-term fetuses of approximate gestational age (GA) 8–16 weeks, and eight late-term fetuses of approximate GA 31–39 weeks. Results At 8–9 weeks, the palatopharyngeus appeared to pull the CPS up and forward. Until 11 weeks, the CPS was attached to the hamulus of the pterygoid (pterygopharyngeal part). Until 13 weeks, the CPS extended anterolaterally beyond the hamulus to meet the BC. Some BC muscle fibers originated from the oral mucosa. Notably, by 30 weeks, the CPS-BC interface had become covered by or attached to the palatopharyngeus. Muscle fibers of the palatopharyngeus, however, were thinner than those of the CPS and BC. At and near the interface, BC muscle fibers tended to run along the left–right axis, whereas those of the CPS ran anteroposteriorly. A definite fascia (i.e., a future pterygomandibular raphe) was usually absent between these muscles in fetuses. Conclusions The excess anterior growth of the CPS with its subsequent degeneration might cause individual anatomical variations in composite muscle bundles of the palatopharyngeus-CPS complex or palatopharyngeal sphincter. A tensile transduction from the BC to the CPS through the raphe seemed unnecessary for cooperative suckling and swallowing after birth.