Pharynx & Tonsils* Flashcards
What is the pharynx and where is it?
It is a 12-14cm long musculomembranous tube extending between the nasal cavity and the entrances to the larynx and oesophagus. It is partially surrounded by muscles.
What is the pharynx divided into?
Three regions:
- nasopharynx
- oropharynx
- laryngopharynx
Where is the nasopharynx located? And brief function?
Extends from behind the nose to the soft palate. It is a functional part of the respiratory tract. Contains tonsils, auditory tubes and tubal tonsils.
Where is the oropharynx located?
From the soft palate to the tip of the epiglottis. It opens into the mouth. Its lateral wall consists of the palatopharyngeal arch and palatine tonsil.
Where is the laryngopharynx located?
Situated behind larynx and extends from the epiglottis to the cricoid cartilage. It is continuous with the oesophagus.
What are the 3 pairs of longitudinal muscles of the pharynx?
Stylopharyngeus
Salpingopharyngeus
Palatopharyngeus
What is the function of the longitudinal muscles of the pharynx?
To elevate the larynx and shorten and widen the pharynx during swallowing.
Explain the sensory innervation to the pharyngeal.
The pharynx receives sensory innervation from the glossopharyngeal nerve.
Explain the motor innervation to the pharyngeal.
All muscles of the pharynx are innervated by CN X 10 (vagus), except from the stylopharyngeus which is innervated by CN IX 9 (glossopharyngeal)
What happens if there is damage to the nerve supply of the pharynx?
Causes problems swallowing (dysphagia).
If the sensory nerve supply is damaged (IX) it would be difficult to swallow.
If the motor supply nerve is damaged (X) it would mean there is a difficulty in smooth transit of material from mouth into the oesophagus.
Where is the auditory tube located? and its function?
It opens into the nasopharynx and connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx.
It equalises pressure either side of the tympanic membrane. Drains the middle ear.
What are the tonsils?
The tonsils are accumulations of lymphoid tissue lying under the mucosa lining of the pharynx.
What is lymphoid tissue?
It is a protective to respiratory tracts by producing antibodies in response to bacteria and toxins.
