oral cavity and upper GI tract

Question 1

how to inspect oral cavity

Answer 1

using a wooden tongue depressor, hold down tongue at front

Question 2

what cranial nerve is involved in the gag response

Answer 2

glossopharyngeal (CN IX)

Question 3

2 folds of oral cavity

Answer 3

palatopharangeal fold, palatoglossal fold

Question 4

location of 2 folds of oral cavity in relation to each other

Answer 4

palatoglossal fold lies anterior to palatopharangeal fold

Question 5

what is between the 2 folds of the oral cavity

Answer 5

palatine tonsil (faucial pillars)

Question 6

what is present at the back of the oral cavity

Answer 6

posterior wall of oropharynx

Question 7

common injury in children to posterior wall of oropharynx

Answer 7

lollipop stick injury where lollipop stick pushed through posterior wall of oropharynx, making it prone to infection, which can then travel down the pharynx into thoracic cavity

Question 8

what is the uvula a part of

Answer 8

soft palate

Question 9

what nerve is the uvula associated with, and how is this tested for

Answer 9

vagus nerve (CN X), as when say “aah” the levator muscles of soft palate receive motor innervation mainly from vagus, so uvula should rise in midline

Question 10

what happens if during the vagus test, the uvula deviates direction

Answer 10

issue with vagal nerve, with deviation towards side which has functioning nerve (as causes levator muscle to contract and uvula to rise in this direction)