Pharynx and Oesophagus Flashcards
what is the pharynx
muscular tube from the base of the skull to the oesophagus
what does the pharynx do?
conducts air and directs food to oesophagus
what are the 3 parts of the pharynx?
nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
what is the function of the nasopharynx?
respiratory function
what is the nasolacrimal duct?
connects your eyes to your nose so when you are crying you need to blow your nose
what does the opening of the auditory tube do?
equalises pressure between mouth and the middle of the ear
what are the most anterior set of tonsils?
tubal tonsils
what sits behind tubal tonsils?
pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids)
where are the palatal tonsils?
right at the back of the mouth
what are tubal and pharyngeal tonsils collections of?
inflammatory cells
what is the function of the oropharynx?
digestive function
what is the superior part of the oropharynx?
soft palate
what is the inferior part of the oropharynx?
the base of the tongue (epiglottis)
what is the function of the epiglottis?
flaps down to protect windpipe when swallowing
where is the palatoglossal fold?
joined to palate and tongue and is towards the front of the mouth
where is the palatopharyngeal fold?
joined to palate and pharynx and sits further back in the mouth
what does Waldeyers ring consist of?
tubal tonsils, pharyngeal tonsils, palatal tonsils
what is the superior part of the laryngopharynx?
epiglottis
what is the inferior part of the laryngopharynx?
level of cricoid cartilage (below thyroid cartilage)
what is the piriform fossa?
indentation at the back of the throat
where is the superior constrictor muscle?
goes from one side to the other underneath the mandible
what is the structure of the pharynx?
superior constrictor, middle constrictor, hyoid bone and inferior constrictor