Pharynx Flashcards
What is the pharynx?
A muscular tube that conducts air
Where does the pharynx run?
From the base of the skull to the oesophagus
What are the 3 parts of the pharynx?
- Nasopharynx
- Oropharynx
- Laryngopharynx
Where is the auditory tube and what is its function?
Nasopharynx. Maintains pressure in mouth and ears.
What carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity?
Nasolacrimal duct
What part of the pharynx has a respiratory function?
Nasopharynx
What part of the pharynx has a digestive function?
Oropharynx
What are the 2 parts of the oropharynx and what structures do they include?
Superior: soft palate. (includes uvula)
Inferior: hard palate. (includes base of tongue and epiglottis)
What is the epiglottis?
Elastic cartilage that acts as a valve over the trachea
What are the 2 parts of the oropharynx and what structures do they include?
Superior: includes epiglottis
Inferior: includes cricoid cartilage
What is cricoid cartilage and how is it different from normal cartilage?
An entire closed ring that sits below the thyroid cartilage.
Difference: other cartilage rings are deficient at the back and instead have muscle.
What is the recess involved in speech and is also a choking hazard?
Piriform fossa
What are the 3 main muscle regions of the laryngopharynx?
Superior constrictor
Middle constrictor
Inferior constrictor
What is the ‘free bone’ found in the laryngopharynx and what is its function?
The hyoid bone.
Anchors the tongue.
What is the main muscle nerve supply to the pharynx?
The vagus nerve
