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Medical Definition of Pharyngeal ridge
1. A constant band of the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle which sweeps posteriorly from the anterolateral part of the superior surface of the palatine aponeurosis. It creates a visible ridge when the superior constrictor is contracted, meeting the elevated soft palate to seal off the pharyngeal isthmus during swallowing. Synonym: pharyngeal ridge, sphincter of the pharyngeal isthmus, velopharyngeal sphincter. (05 Mar 2000)