nerves, arteries and fascia of the pharynx

Question 1

where does the pharyngeal plexus lie?

Answer 1

on the middle constrictor

Question 2

what forms the pharyngeal plexus?

Answer 2

pharyngeal branch of the vagus CN X
pharyngeal branch of the glossopharyngeal CN IX
sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion

Question 3

which of the pharyngeal nerves is motor and where does it send fibers to?

Answer 3

branch of the vagus nerve and it goes to all muscles of the pharynx except the stylopharyngeus which is innervated by the glossopharyngeal

Question 4

which pharyngeal nerve is sensory and where does it send fibers to?

Answer 4

branch of the glossopharyngeal CN IX and it is sensory to the mucosa of the pharynx

Question 5

what are the 2 arteries of the pharynx?

Answer 5

ascending pharyngeal
maxillary

both are branches of external carotid

Question 6

what are the 2 levels of fascia of the pharynx?

Answer 6

buccopharyngeal

pharyngobasilar

Question 7

which layer of fascia surrounds the pharynx and external muscles of the pharynx?

Answer 7

buccopharyngeal- it is continuous with the pre tracheal fascia below

Question 8

which layer of fascia lies internal to the muscles and external to the mucosa of the pharynx?

Answer 8

pharyngobasilar fascia

Question 9

what is the name of a potential space between the buccopharyngeal fascia (pretracheal) and prevertebral fascia which permits free movement of the pharynx and esophagus during swallowing?

Answer 9

retropharyngeal space

Question 10

what are the 4 steps of swallowing?

Answer 10

1. tongue moves bolus back into oropharyngeal isthmus
2. palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus muscles squeeze bolus back into oropharynx
   - at the same time the levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini elevate the soft palate to close off pharyngeal isthmus
3. stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus elevate walls of pharynx while the suprahyoid muscles elevate the hyoid to allow the epiglottis to flex back over the laryngeal inlet
4. superior, middle and inferior constrictor muscles contract in sequence to move food through oropharynx and larygnopharynx and into esophagus
   - perstalsis propels food downward to stomach