13 - Pharynx Flashcards
The pharynx is a musculofascial half-cylinder that links the
oral and nasal cavities in the head to the larynx and esophagus in the neck. The pharyngeal cavity is common for the respiratory tract and digestive tract.
Pharynx : Extends from skull base to
inferior border of cricoid cartilage (level of C6)
Pharynx : Consists of
circular & longitudinal mm. wrapped in fascia
Pharynx : Lined with
mucous membrane containing mucous glands
Pharynx: Lies posterior to the
nasal and oral cavities & the larynx
Pharynx: There are 3 regions:
Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Laryngopharynx
Pharynx: There are 5 layers:
Mucosa (mucous membrane) Submucosa Pharyngobasilar fascia Muscular layer Buccopharyngeal fasica
Pharynx: Muscular layer
3 longitudinal mm (stylo -, salpingo-, palato- pharyngeus mm.)
3 outer circular or constrictor mm.
Nasopharynx: Structures: Auditory (Eustachian or pharyngotympanic) tube orifice –
posterior to inferior concha
Serves as connection between pharynx & middle ear
Nasopharynx: Structures: Torus tubarius –
posterior to auditory tube orifice (cartilage of auditory tube)
Nasopharynx: Structures: Pharyngeal recess –
posterior to torus tubarius
Groove along lateral pharyngeal wall
Nasopharynx: Structures: Pharyngeal tonsil –
postero-superior to torus tubarius
Nasopharynx structures: Salpingopharyngeal fold –
mucous membrane covering the salpingopharyngeus m.
Oropharynx: Posterior extension of
oral cavity
Oropharynx: Between soft palate &
epiglottis
Oropharynx: Passes thru 2 sets of
arches laterally
Palatoglossal arch
Palatopharyngeal arch
Oropharynx: Palatoglossal arch separates
oral cavity & oropharynx
Oropharynx: Palatoglossal arch –
mucosal fold over palatoglossus m.
Oropharynx: Palatopharyngeal arch –
mucosal fold over palatopharyngeus m.
Oropharynx: Palatine Tonsil –
in tonsillar bed between 2 palatine arches
Oropharynx: Vallecula –
fold posterior to the root of the tongue and anterior to the epiglottis.
~= to a “spit trap”
a temporary hold place for saliva during breathing
Laryngopharynx: Route air and food into
trachea and esophagus
Functions of the larynx:
- Phonation
- Regulate size of the opening between the vocal folds
- Prevent foreign bodies from entering the airway
- Act as a sphincter
Laryngopharynx continues inferiorly to approximately the level of
cervical vertebra C6 & the top of the esophagus