The pharyngeal muscles are a group of muscles that form the pharynx, which is posterior to the oral cavity, determining the shape of its lumen, and affecting its sound properties as the primary resonating cavity.

The pharyngeal muscles (involuntary skeletal) push food into the esophagus.

The outer circular layer includes: During swallowing, these muscles constrict to propel a bolus downwards (an involuntary process).

The inner longitudinal layer includes: During swallowing, these muscles act to shorten and widen the pharynx.

They are innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) with the exception of the stylopharyngeus muscle which is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).