Pharynx Flashcards
What are the borders of the nasopharynx?
Extends from posterior border of nasal septum to superior border of the soft palate.
Lies posterior to the nasal cavity
What are the borders of the oropharynx?
Soft palate to the superior border of the epiglottis
What are the borders of the laryngopharnx?
Extends from the superior border of the epiglottis to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage.
What epithelium is the nasopharynx lined with?
Ciliated columnar - same as respiratory system
What epithelium is the oropharynx lined with?
Stratified squamous - same as oral cavity.
What are the posterior and lateral walls of the laryngopharynx formed by?
Middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles
How does the laryngopharynx communicate with the larynx?
Through the laryngeal inlet
What nerves lie deep to the piriform fossa?
The internal laryngeal and the recurrent laryngeal nerves
What tonsils are located in the nasopharynx?
Pharyngeal and tubal tonsils
Where are the palatine tonsils located?
Oropharynx/ fauces
Between the palatoglossal arch and the palatopharyngeal arch
Where are the lingual tonsils located?
Posterior third of tongue.
What do the pharyngeal constrictor muscles do?
Push food bolus towards oesophagus
What do the pharyngeal elevators do?
Lift the pharynx to receive the food bolus from the oral cavity
What forms a sphincter around the upper oesophagus? And what does this help do?
Inferior pharyngeal constrictor
Has a lower circular part called cricopharyngeus
Prevents air being drawn into stomach during inhalation
What are the pharyngeal constrictor muscles innervated by?
CNX via pharyngeal plexus
