Nasopharynx and interior of the oropharynx (dave's notes) Flashcards
What marks the upper and lower margins of the nasopharynx?
From the base of the skull to the lower border of the soft palate
What prevents the nasophrynx from collapsing?
The pharyngobasilar fascia
How does the upper part of the nasopharynx communicate with the nose?
Through the choanae
Where is the pharyngeal tonsil located? How else may this be known?
Sits high up on the posterior wall at the level of the basiocciput. = adenoids if enlarged.
what other anatomical features of note are found in the nasopharynx?
The pharyngeal recess and auditory openings
Where is the pharyngeal recess located?
A vertical slit behind the openings of the auditory tubes
Where does the oropharynx start and finish?
From the lower part of the soft palate to the upper fodder of the epiglottis
What marks the posterior aspect of the oropharynx?
The three constrictors
What is found at the lateral margins of the oropharynx?
The palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches. The palatine tonsils lie between.
Where is the palatine tonsil found?
Lying between the palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches, lying on the lower part of the superior constrictor.
Describe the surface of the palatine tonsil
??AP borders
??upper lower poles?
surface crypts
lateral surface forms a capsule from an extension of the pharyngobasilar facia
What is the blood supply to the palatine tonsil? Via what course does it reach the palatine tonsil?
The tonsillar branch of the facial artery. Reaches the palatine tonsil by arching over styloglossus and periling the superior constrictor.
Describe the venous drainage of the palatine tonsil. What is the clinical significance of this?
To the pharyngeal plexus (pharyngeal/external palatine vein is particularly large and is the usual cause for haemorrhage
What is the lymphatic drainage of the palatine tonsil?
To the deep cervical group mostly to the jugulodigastric nodes
What is the nerve supply to the mucosa overlying the palatine tonsil?
The tonsillar branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve