Pharynx Flashcards
Regions of the pharynx
- Nasopharynx
- Oropharynx
- Laryngopharynx
What is found anteriorly, inferiorly and superiorly to the nasopharynx?
- A = nasal cavity
- I = soft palate
- S = sphenoid bone + basilar part of occipital bone
What connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and what are its function?
- Pharyngotympanic tube
- Allows for pressure in ears to be equalised
- Drains gunk from middle ear
What are the different tonsils?
- Pharyngeal tonsil
- Tubal tonsils
- Palatine tonsils
- Lingual tonsil
Where is the pharyngeal tonsil found?
In the roof of the nasopharynx
Where are the tubal tonsils found?
In the mucosal lining surrounding the opening of the pharyngotympanic tubes
What structures extend posteriorly and inferiorly from the tubal tonsils in the lateral wall?
Salpingopharyngeal folds
What is found superiorly, laterally and inferiorly to the oropharynx?
- S = soft palate
- L = palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches
- I = base of the tongue
Where are the palatine tonsils found?
Between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches
Where is the lingual tonsil found?
On the posterior third of the tongue
What is the ring formed by all the tonsils?
Waldeyer’s ring
What is found anteriorly to the laryngopharynx?
Larynx
What forms the superior and inferior borders of the laryngopharynx?
- SB = superior border of epiglottis
- IB = inferior border of cricoid cartilage
What opening connects the pharynx and larynx?
Laryngeal inlet
3 constrictor muscles of pharynx
- Superior constrictor
- Middle constrictor
- Inferior constrictor
Anterior and posterior attachments of the superior constrictor
- A = pterygoid hamulus, pterygomandibular raphe, mandible, side of tongue
- P = pharyngeal tubercle, pharyngeal raphe
Anterior and posterior attachments of the middle constrictor
- A = stylohyoid ligament, greater and lesser horns of hyoid bone
- P = pharyngeal raphe
Anterior and posterior attachments of the inferior constrictor
- A = oblique line of thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage
- P = pharyngeal raphe
Motor innervation of 3 constrictor muscles
- Via pharyngeal plexus (formed of vagus + glossopharyngeal)
- Primarily vagus supplying constrictors
3 longitudinal muscles of the pharynx
- Stylopharyngeus
- Salpingopharyngeus
- Palatopharyngeus
What do the 3 longitudinal muscles run between?
- Stylo = from styloid process to thyroid cartilage
- Salpingo = from cartilaginous ending of pharyngotympanic tube to unite with palatopharyngeus
- Palato = from hard palate and palatine aponeurosis to thyroid cartilage and oesophagus
Motor innervation of 3 longitudinal muscles
- Via pharyngeal plexus
- Salpingo + palato = vagus nerve
- Stylo = glossopharyngeal nerve
