Anatomy and Components
- The pharyngeal plexus is located on the outer surface of the pharynx.
- It contains a motor component derived from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X).
- It also contains a sensory component derived from the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).
- The sympathetic component of the plexus is derived from the superior cervical ganglion.
- The plexus provides motor innervation to most muscles of the soft palate and most muscles of the pharynx.

Afferents
- Motor component: pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) with neuron cell bodies in the nucleus ambiguus.
- Sensory component: pharyngeal branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
- Sympathetic vasomotor component: efferent fibers of the superior cervical ganglion.
- The cranial part of the accessory nerve (CN XI) is sometimes considered part of the pharyngeal plexus.
- The pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve ramifies upon reaching the superior border of the middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle.

Efferents/Distribution
- Outgoing fibers from the pharyngeal plexus ascend or descend upon the superior and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles.
- The fibers then ramify within the pharyngeal muscular layer and mucous membrane.
- Motor innervation from the pharyngeal plexus includes all muscles of the pharynx except the stylopharyngeus muscle.
- The muscles innervated by the pharyngeal plexus include palatopharyngeus, palatoglossus, musculus uvulae, and the pharyngeal constrictors.
- The stylopharyngeus muscle is directly innervated by a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).

Sensory
- The pharyngeal plexus provides sensory innervation to most of the pharynx.
- It provides sensory innervation to the oropharynx and laryngopharynx from CN IX and CN X.
- The nasopharynx above the pharyngotympanic tube and the torus tubarius is innervated by CN V.
- Specific sensory components of the pharyngeal plexus are responsible for sensory perception in different regions of the pharynx.
- Further citation is needed to support the sensory innervation details.

Related Concepts
- Superior cervical ganglion is related to the pharyngeal plexus.
- Understanding the role of the superior cervical ganglion can provide additional insights into the function of the pharyngeal plexus.
- Exploring the relationship between the pharyngeal plexus and other anatomical structures can enhance understanding of its functions.
- Further research and study on the superior cervical ganglion and its relationship with the pharyngeal plexus can contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this topic.
- Additional information on the superior cervical ganglion can provide a broader context for understanding the pharyngeal plexus.