Pharynx

Question 1

How many divisions are there of the pharynx, what are their names, and whats their boundaries??

Answer 1

Nasopharynx: Posterior border of nasal septum to soft palate

Oropharynx: Soft palate, base of tongue to superior border of epiglottis

Laryngopharynx: Superior border of epiglottis to inferior border of cricoid cartilage - continuous with oesophagus

Question 2

Where are the different tonsils located in the pharynx and briefly describe their function

Answer 2

Pharyngeal & tubal tonsil (nasopharynx)
Palatine tonsils (oropharynx)
Lingual tonsils (posterior 1/3rd tongue)

Protection of airways as they are near openings. Tonsils have lots of white blood cells which protect exterior particles from coming in

Question 3

Describe the arrangement of the muscles of the pharynx

Answer 3

They are like stacking plastic cups inside each other/overlapping of the muscles

Question 4

How many pharyngeal constrictors are there and whats their role?

Answer 4

3 (Superior, Middle & inferior) - pushing the food bolus towards the oesophagus

Question 5

What is the role of the pharyngeal elevators?

Answer 5

Lift the pharynx to receive food bolus from oral cavity

Question 6

What is the role of the pharyngobasilar fascia?

Answer 6

The stiff pharyngobasilar fascia holds the nasopharynx open

Question 7

What are the names of the pharyngeal elevators and what nerve are they innervated by?

Answer 7

Palatopharyngeus (CN X - Vagus nerve)

Stylopharyngeus (CN IX - Glossopharyngeal nerve)

Salpingopharyngeus (CN X - Vagus nerve)

Question 8

Describe the role of the pharynx during swallowing

Answer 8

Oral phase (voluntary): Food bolus formed and pushed into oropharynx by tongue

Pharyngeal Phase (involuntary): Pharyngeal elevation to receive bolus [elevators], pushed towards oesophagus [constrictors], Epiglottis closes

Oesophageal Phase: Peristaltic movement (contracting & relaxing) of oesophagus allows bolus to move towards stomach