THE PHARYNGEAL VASCULTURE

Question 1

Motor and sensory innervation of the majority of the pharynx (except nasopharynx) is achieved by the

Answer 1

pharyngeal plexus.

Question 2

The pharyngeal plexus, which mainly overlies the middle pharyngeal constrictor, is formed by

Answer 2

Pharyngeal branches from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).

Pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X).

Branches from the external laryngeal nerve.

Sympathetic fibres from the superior cervical ganglion.

Question 3

sensory

Answer 3

The pharynx receives sensory innervation from the glossopharyngeal nerve.

In addition:

The anterior and superior aspect of the nasopharynx is innervated by the maxillary nerve (CN V2)

The inferior aspect of the laryngopharynx (surrounding the beginning of the larynx) is innervated by the internal branch of the vagus nerve.

Question 4

motor

Answer 4

All the muscles of the pharynx are innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X), except for the stylopharyngeus, which is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).

Question 5

arterial

Answer 5

Arterial supply to the pharynx is via branches of the external carotid artery:

Ascending pharyngeal artery
Branches of the facial artery
Branches of the lingual and maxillary arteries.

Question 6

venous drainage

Answer 6

Venous drainage is achieved by the pharyngeal venous plexus, which drains into the internal jugular vein.

Question 7

SUPPLY TO THE UPPER PARTS OF THE PHARYNX

Answer 7

ASCENDING PHARYNGEAL ARTERY
• ASCENDING PALATINE ARTERY
• TONSILLAR BRANCHES OF THE FACIAL ARTERY
• BRANCHES OF THE MAXILLARY AND LINGUAL ARTERIES

Question 8

SUPPLY TO THE LOWER PARTS OF THE PHARYNX

Answer 8

PHARYNGEAL BRANCHES OF THE INFERIOR THYROID ARTERY