L36: Pharynx and Oesophagus Flashcards
What are the three main components of the cervical viscera?
- Respiratory;
- Endocrine (hormones to blood);
- Alimentary.
What is the general structure of the pharynx?
A muscular tube from the base of the skull to the oesophagus (C6)
What are the two main functions of the pharynx?
- Conduct air;
- Direct food to the oesophagus.
What are the subdivisions of the pharynx?
- Nasopharynx;
- Oropharynx;
- Laryngopharynx.
What is the physiological function of the nasopharynx?
Respiratory
What significant structures are found in the nasopharynx?
- Nasolacrimal duct (connect to tear ducts);
- Opening of auditory tube;
- Tubal tonsils;
- Pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids).
What is the purpose of the tonsils?
A collection of inflammatory tissue to trap bacteria from the air and prevent infection
What is the physiological function of the oropharynx?
Digestive (palate)
What are the anatomical boundaries of the oropharynx?
- Superior: soft palate;
- Inferior: base of tongue (epiglottis).
What are the two muscle groups (arches) at the back of the mouth?
- Palatopharyngeal arches (furthest back);
- Palatoglossal arches (in front).
What significant structures are found between the palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches?
- Palatine tosnsils;
- Uvula.
What is the purpose of the uvula?
To block the oral to nasal cavity
wobbles during laughter and allows food to pass
Why are paediatrics prone to throat and ear infections?
The auditory tube (opening at the back of the mouth) is shorter meaning infections can travel between the two more quickly
What is Waldeyer’s Ring?
Four sets of tonsils which serve as the first line of defense
Name the groups of tonsils that make up Waldeyer’s Ring.
- Tubual tonsils;
- Pharyngeal tonsils;
- Palatine tonsils;
- Lingual tonsils.
When is Waldeyer’s Ring most active?
At the start of school and university due to the exposure to new environments and people
What is the physiological function of the laryngopharynx?
Series of cricoid cartilage (constrictors), voice box region
What are the anatomical boundaries of the laryngopharynx?
- Superior: Epiglottis;
- Inferior: Cricoid cartilage (below thyroid cartilage).
What structure does the laryngopharynx continue with?
The oesophagus (diverges to larynx, airway, and oesophagus)
What structure gives rise to the Adam’s Apple?
Thyroid cartilage (increases in length, outwards, during adolescence).
What is significant about the hyoid bone?
It is the only ‘floating’ bone in the body i.e. it is not connected to another bone
What feature in the laryngopharynx can make some people more prone to choking?
The piriform fossa, can swell
How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?
12
What is the nerve supply to the pharynx?
- Motor: CNX, vagus;
- Sensory: CNIX, glossopharyngeal.
