Pharynx Flashcards
Where is the pharyngeal recess and what does it contain?
Posterior in the nasopharynx. Pharyngeal tonsils.
What can be complication of infection of the pharyngeal tonsils?
The tonsils can become inflammed causing obstruction of the air flow through the nasal cavity. Infection may also spread to the tubal tonsils and cause difficulty hearing. Spread may also reach the middle ear causing otitis media.
What is the torus tubarius?
Mucosal covering of the cartilage of the auditory tube. Pharyngeal ostium can be found just inferior.
What is the action and innervation of the salpingopharyngeus muscle?
Assists in swallowing. Innervated by CN X.
What are the faucial pillars? What do they contain? What is found between them?
The faucial pillars are the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal folds covering the respective mm. The palatoglossus m. pulls the tongue and soft palate together in swallowing and is innervated by CN X. The palatopharyngeus m. acts in swallowing and is innervated by CN X. The tonsillar bed containing the palatine tonsils can be found between the faucial pillars. This also contains the superior/middle pharyngeal constrictors, CN IX, and the hyoglossus.
What is the piriform recess? What nervous structure is associated with it?
A depression lateral to either side of the larynx in the laryngopharynx. Contains the internal laryngeal n. making it susceptible to laceration by aspirated objects.
What are the two fascias of the pharynx?
Pharyngobasillar fascia is the inner lining of the pharyngeal mm. Buccopharyngeal fascia is the outer covering of the pharyngeal mm.
Describe the gaps (4) of the pharynx and what traverses them.
Gap 1 - found b/w the base of the skull and the sup. pharyngeal constrictor m. Allows the passage of levator veli palatini and auditory tube.
Gap 2 - found b/w sup. and middle pharyngeal constrictors. Transmits CN IX and stylopharyngeus m.
Gap 3 - found b/w middle and inf. pharyngeal constrictors. Transmits internal laryngeal n. and superior laryngeal a.
Gap 4 - found b/w inf. pharyngeal constrictor and esophagus. Allows passage of inferior laryngeal n. and a.
