Pharynx Flashcards
what is the pharynx
cylindrical muscular tube
where does the pharynx start?
base of skull
where does the pharynx end?
level of C6
what is the average length of the pharynx?
12 to 15 cm
how many openings does the pharynx have/
Two openings anteriorly to nasal and oral cavities
what are the main regions of the pharynx? (3)
1) nasopharynx (ends at C3)
2) oropharynx (ends at C5)
3) laryngopharynx (ends at C6)
What are the two main muscle groups of the pharynx?
1) constrictors
2) elevators
which are stronger: the constrictor or elevator muscles?
constrictor muscles
F: constrictor muscles (2)
1) start peristaltic movements when you swallow food
2) prevent entry of foreign objects into pharynx
N: constrictor muscles
CN 9 (general sense)
what is the full nerve pathway for the constrictor muscles?
CN 9 (general sense -> brainstem -> CN 10 (carries back down motor impulses and contracts muscles
what are the tonsils of the pharynx?
1) pharyngeal tonsils
2) palatine tonsils
L: pharyngeal tonsils
posterior region of nasopharynx
F: pharyngeal tonsils (2)
1) recognize pathogens entering the nasal cavity
2) site of Ab production
L: palatine tonsils
lateral sides of the oropharynx
F: palatine tonsils
1) recognize pathogens entering the oral cavity
2) site of Ab production
what is the opening of pharyngotympanic tube
connection from middle ear to nasal cavity into the nasopharynx area
F: opening of pharyngotympanic tube
balance pressure in the middle ear
how does the opening of the pharyngotympanic tube open?
yawning or swallowing
