Pharynx

Question 1

what is the pharynx

Answer 1

cylindrical muscular tube

Question 2

where does the pharynx start?

Answer 2

base of skull

Question 3

where does the pharynx end?

Answer 3

level of C6

Question 4

what is the average length of the pharynx?

Answer 4

12 to 15 cm

Question 5

how many openings does the pharynx have/

Answer 5

Two openings anteriorly to nasal and oral cavities

Question 6

what are the main regions of the pharynx? (3)

Answer 6

1) nasopharynx (ends at C3)
2) oropharynx (ends at C5)
3) laryngopharynx (ends at C6)

Question 7

What are the two main muscle groups of the pharynx?

Answer 7

1) constrictors

2) elevators

Question 8

which are stronger: the constrictor or elevator muscles?

Answer 8

constrictor muscles

Question 9

F: constrictor muscles (2)

Answer 9

1) start peristaltic movements when you swallow food

2) prevent entry of foreign objects into pharynx

Question 10

N: constrictor muscles

Answer 10

CN 9 (general sense)

Question 11

what is the full nerve pathway for the constrictor muscles?

Answer 11

CN 9 (general sense -> brainstem -> CN 10 (carries back down motor impulses and contracts muscles

Question 12

what are the tonsils of the pharynx?

Answer 12

1) pharyngeal tonsils

2) palatine tonsils

Question 13

L: pharyngeal tonsils

Answer 13

posterior region of nasopharynx

Question 14

F: pharyngeal tonsils (2)

Answer 14

1) recognize pathogens entering the nasal cavity

2) site of Ab production

Question 15

L: palatine tonsils

Answer 15

lateral sides of the oropharynx

Question 16

F: palatine tonsils

Answer 16

1) recognize pathogens entering the oral cavity

2) site of Ab production

Question 17

what is the opening of pharyngotympanic tube

Answer 17

connection from middle ear to nasal cavity into the nasopharynx area

Question 18

F: opening of pharyngotympanic tube

Answer 18

balance pressure in the middle ear

Question 19

how does the opening of the pharyngotympanic tube open?

Answer 19

yawning or swallowing