Pharynx (214-222)

Question 1

Name the muscles of the pharynx;

Answer 1

6 muscles split into 2 groups (circular and longitudinal).

Circular- superior pharyngeal constrictor (oropharynx), middle pharyngeal constrictor (laryngopharynx) and inferior pharyngeal constrictor (laryngopharynx).

Longtudinal- stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, salingopharyngeus.

Question 2

What is the nerve supply to the muscles of the pharynx?;

Answer 2

All muscles are innervated by vagus nerve (CN X) except stylopharyngeus (innervated by glossopharyngeal nerve CN IX).

[Note vagus nerve and glossopharyngeal nerves are part of pharyngeal plexus]

Question 3

What would be the signs and symptoms in a patient with pharyngeal pouch?;

Answer 3

Hallatosis, gurgling, recurrent chest infections, weight loss, dysphagia

Question 4

How would you manage a patient with a pharyngeal pouch?;

Answer 4

If <4cm can do endoscopic stapling of pharyngeal pouch.
If >4cm requires open surgery.

Question 5

Name the muscles of the soft palate;

Answer 5

5- musculus uvulae, Palatoglossus, palatopharyngeus, levator veli palatini, tensor veli palatini

Question 6

What is the nerve supply to the muscles of the soft palate?;

Answer 6

All innervated by pharyngeal plexus (Vagus nerve, glossopharyngeal, external laryngeal, sympathetic from cervical ganglion), except tensor veli palatine (supplied by Mandibular nerve CN V3 [branch of trigeminal])

Question 7

What structures from the Waldeyer’s ring?;

Answer 7

Pharyngeal tonsil, tubal tonsils, palatine tonsils, lingual tonsil

Question 8

What is the lymphatic drainage of the tonsils?;

Answer 8

Retropharyngeal nodes, which empty into deep cervical nodes

Question 9

Name five signs and symptoms of Quinsy;

Answer 9

Severe sore throat (worse unilaterally), severe odynophagia (painful swallowing). Stertor (low pitched breathing) and trismus (lockjaw).
Extensive erythema, soft palate swelling and deviated uvula.