Pharynx, Larynx Anatomy

Question 1

in which compartment of the neck are the pharynx and larynx located?

Answer 1

visceral compartment, enclosed by pretracheal fascia

also contains trachea (continuation of larynx), esophagus (continuation of pharynx), thyroid, and parathyroid glands

Question 2

what makes up the boundary between the larynx and trachea, and between the pharynx and esophagus?

Answer 2

same for both - inferior border of cricoid cartilage at C6 vertebra

Question 3

where is the buccopharyngeal fascia found within the neck?

Answer 3

posterior portion of the pretracheal fascia, which encloses the visceral compartment (larynx/trachea, pharynx/esophagus, thyroid, parathyroid)

the retropharyngeal space is between the buccopharygneal and pre-vertebral fascias

Question 4

what makes up the walls of the retropharyngeal space?

Answer 4

anterior = buccopharyngeal fascia
posterior = prevertebral fascia
lateral = carotid sheaths

*note this space allows for spread of infection into the thorax

Question 5

what is the outermost layer of deep fascia in the neck?

Answer 5

investing fascia

Question 6

what comprises the outer circular and inner longitudinal muscular layers of the pharynx, respectively?

Answer 6

outer circular (propulsion) = superior, middle, inferior constrictors

inner longitudinal (elevate pharynx for swallowing) = palatopharyngeus (CN X), salpingopharyngeus (CN X), stylopharyngeus (CN IX)

Question 7

what are the extrinsic muscles of the tongue that are needed to elevate and retract the tongue to move a bolus of food towards the oropharynx? (3)

Answer 7

1. palatoglossus (CN X)
2. styloglossus (CN XII)
3. hypoglossus (CN XII)

Question 8

what are the 4 [major] cartilages of the larynx?

Answer 8

1. cricoid (unpaired)
2. thyroid (unpaired)
3. epiglottis (unpaired)
4. arytenoid (paired)

Question 9

match:
the vocal ligaments are made
a. less vs more taut
b. thyroarytenoid vs cricothyroid muscles

Answer 9

contraction of cricothyroid = MORE taut

contraction of thyroarytenoid = less taut

Question 10

what is the neural control of the larynx?

Answer 10

motor and sensory all from branches of the vagus (go off, king)

sensory to mucosa via superior laryngeal nerve (above vocal folds) and recurrent laryngeal nerve (below vocal folds)

motor to cricothyroid via superior laryngeal nerve, all other intrinsic muscles via recurrent laryngeal nerve

Question 11

why are infants with cleft palate unable to nurse?

Answer 11

soft palate is needed to make a tight seal against the pharyngeal wall to prevent air pressure being lost as air escapes into the nasopharynx/nasal cavity

with cleft palate, seal cannot be accomplished and air escapes - inability to maintain suction in the oral cavity