Pharynx

Question 1

Where is the pharynx found?

Answer 1

Posterior to the nasal cavity, oral cavity and the larynx

Question 2

What are the divisions of the pharynx?

Answer 2

Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Laryngopharynx

Question 3

Where does the nasopharynx run?

Answer 3

From the posterior border of the nasal septum to the soft palate

Question 4

What lines the nasopharynx?

Answer 4

Respiratory epithelium
(Ciliated columnar cells)

Question 5

What are the boundaries of the oropharynx?

Answer 5

Soft palate
Base of tongue
Superior border of epiglottis

Question 6

What lines the oropharynx?

Answer 6

Same epithelium as oral cavity - stratified squamous

Question 7

What are the borders of the laryngopharynx?

Answer 7

Superior border of epiglottis
Inferior border of cricoid cartilage
Continuous with the oesophagus

Question 8

What are tonsils?

Answer 8

Lymphoid tissue found in several places forming a tonsillar ring (Waldeyer’s)
Protects the airways

Question 9

What are the different tonsils?

Answer 9

Pharyngeal tonsils
Tubal tonsils
Palatine tonsils
Lingual tonsils

Question 10

What is the purpose of the still pharyngobasilar fascia?

Answer 10

Holds the nasopharynx open

Question 11

What are the 3 pharyngeal constrictors and what do they do?

Answer 11

Superior, middle and inferior
Push the food bolus towards the oesophagus

Question 12

What do the pharyngeal elevators do?

Answer 12

Lift the pharynx to receive the food bolus from the oral cavity

Question 13

What supplies the pharyngeal constrictors?

Answer 13

The vagus nerve (CNX) via the pharyngeal plexus

Question 14

Describe the lower circular part of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor

Answer 14

Known as cricopharyngeas
Forms a sphincter around the upper oesophagus preventing air being drawn into the stomach during inhalation

Question 15

What are the pharyngeal elevators?

Answer 15

Palatopharyngeus
Stylopharyngeus
Salpingopharyngeus

Question 16

Where are the pharyngeal elevators found?

Answer 16

Descend from the skull to fan out into the inner surface of the pharynx
Some may also send fibres to the thyroid cartilage ensuring simultaneous elevation of the pharynx and larynx during swallowing

Question 17

What is the action of the palatopharyngeus?

Answer 17

Elevates the pharynx and larynx
Draws the soft palate downwards

Question 18

What innervates the palatopharyngeus?

Answer 18

Vagus nerve

Question 19

What is the function of the stylopharyngeus?

Answer 19

Elevates the pharynx and larynx

Question 20

What innervates the stylopharyngeus?

Answer 20

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Question 21

Where does the salpingopharyngeus originate?

Answer 21

The auditory tube

Question 22

What is the action of the salpingopharyngeus?

Answer 22

Elevates the pharynx and larynx
Helps open the auditory tube during swallowing for pressure equalisation in the middle ear

Question 23

What innervates the salpingopharyngeus?

Answer 23

Vagus nerve

Question 24

What are the phases of swallowing?

Answer 24

Oral phase
Pharyngeal phase
Oesophageal phase

Question 25

Describe the oral phase of swallowing

Answer 25

Voluntary phase
Bolus formed in oral cavity by chewing and tongue movements
Bolus is pushed into the oropharynx by the tongue

Question 26

Describe the pharyngeal phase of swallowing

Answer 26

Involuntary phase
Superior pharyngeal constrictor contraction and soft palate elevation
Pharyngeal elevation to receive bolus (pharyngeal elevators)
Bolus pushed towards the oesophagus (pharyngeal constrictors)
Epiglottis closes the laryngeal inlet protecting the airway

Question 27

Describe the oesophageal phase of swallowing

Answer 27

As the inferior pharyngeal constrictor contracts the upper oesophageal sphincter relaxes allowing the bolus into the oesophagus
Peristaltic movements move the bolus towards the stomach