Role in Human Disease
Uncoordinated contraction, and/or Cricopharyngeal Spasm and/or impaired relaxation of this muscle are currently considered the main factors in development of a Zenker's diverticulum.
Motor incoordination of the cricopharyngeus can cause difficulty swallowing.
Between the two bellies of the inferior constrictor (Thyropharyngeal and Cricopharyngeal) is a small gape called 'Killian's dehiscence'. It is clinically important as a diverticulum can form where a 'balloon' of mucosa becomes trapped outside the pharyngeal boundaries. Food or other materials may reside here, which may lead to infection.
Read more about this topic: Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle
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