Structure/Morphology
The pharyngobasilar fascia thick fibrous fascia that bears some of the weight of the pharyngeal mucosa and suspends it from the inferior aspect of the skull. Some of the fibers of the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle originate in this tendinous connective tissue (Standring, 2016).
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The pharyngobasilar fascia is attached anteriorly to the posterior margin of the medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone. The fascia extends posteromedially to attach superiorly to the petrous part of the temporal bone, as well as the basilar part of the occipital bone, specifically the pharyngeal spine. It meets its contralateral counterpart at the superior part of the pharyngeal raphe, where it tapers off (Standring, 2016).
Function
The pharyngobasilar fascia is thickened to support the pharyngeal mucosa superior to the superior constrictor muscle and anchor sit to the inferior aspect of the skull.
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Pharyngobasilar Fascia
1 The tonsillar capsule is a specialized portion of the pharyngobasilar fascia that covers the surface of the tonsil and extends into it to form septa that conduct the nerves and vessels.
