Pharynx

Question 1

What do the tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini do to the soft palate?

Answer 1

tensor veli palatini - stretches palate

levator veli palatini - lifts palate

Question 2

What does elevation of the soft palate do?

Answer 2

Separates the nasopharynx from the oropharynx during swallowing

Question 3

How does the pharynx change as you move inferiorly? How does its epithelium change?

Answer 3

Naso - Oro - Layrngo

Pseuostratified ciliated columnar -> Stratified squamous epithelium

Question 4

What is the epiglottis, what does it do?

Answer 4

Cartilage of larynx

Covers laryngeal inlet during swallowing

Question 5

What is the pharynx formed of?

Answer 5

3 constrictor muscles (superior, middle and inferior constrictor) lined by a continuous internal fascia and mucosa

Question 6

What does the cricopharyngeus muscle do?

Answer 6

Acts as an oesophageal sphincter

Question 7

What is eagle syndrome?

Answer 7

Very long styloid processes
press into soft tissue of pharynx
foreign body sensation, dysphagia, facial pain on head rotation, carotid a compression

Question 8

Where do the pharyngeal constrictor muscles overlap and attach?

Answer 8

Attach posteriorly along a midline raphe

Question 9

Where is a potential ‘weak spot’ in the pharynx? What might this cause?

Answer 9

Where the inferior constrictor muscles meets the cricopharyngeus (fibres change direction)
Zenker Diverticulum: Herniation - outpouch/ Could cause halitosis (bad breath)

Question 10

Where can foreign bodies (e.g. fish bones) get stuck when you swallow? Describe what it is.

Answer 10

Piriform fossa - recess between larynx and lateral thyroid cartilage, mucosal lined pouch, permits passage of liquids during swallowing

Question 11

What is the golden rule for pharyngeal muscle innervation?

Answer 11

All pharyngeal muscles innervated by CN X EXCEPT:
Stylopharyngeus - CN IX
Tensor Veli Palatini - CN Vc

Question 12

What does the stylopharyngeus muscle do?

Answer 12

Elevates/shortens and widens pharynx

Question 13

What do the patalopharyngeus and palatoglossus muscles do?

Answer 13

Elevate pharynx

posterior oral cavity arches

Question 14

What do the salpingopharyngeus, tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini muscles do?

Answer 14

All help open auditory tube when swallowing

TVP + LVP - tense and elevate palate

Question 15

You are testing the gag reflex of a patient. If the patient has sensation but no contraction of pharyngeal muscles, which CN is affected?

Answer 15

CN X - motor (vagus)

Question 16

You are testing the gag reflex of a patient. If the patient has NO gag reflex when touching the left side but full gag when touching the right side, which CN is affected?

Answer 16

CN IX lesion on left side - sensory (glossopharyngeal)