The pharynx

Question 1

What is the description of the pharynx

Answer 1

connects nose, mouth and throat

extends between posterior nasal apertures and the entrances to the trachea and oesophagus

digestive and respiratory system share same pharynx

Question 2

What is the structure of the pharynx

Answer 2

muscular funnel
13cm length

Question 3

What is the function of the pharynx

Answer 3

key role in:
swallowing
speech

Question 4

What are the regions of the pharynx

Answer 4

nasopharynx
oropharynx
laryngopharynx

Question 5

Where are the three pharynx located

Answer 5

nasal pharynx at top levels with the nose
Oropharynx is the middle levels with the mouth
Laryngopharynx levels at the bottom with the throat

Question 6

Describe the nasopharynx in depth

Answer 6

lies posterior to nasal cavity

lateral walls lie auditory tubes which extend from middle ears

posterior aspect is pharyngeal tonsils

passes only air

lined with pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium cells

pathogens cannot pass, stick to mucosa near tonsils

inhaled air turns 90 degrees downward as it passes through

Question 7

Explain the oropharynx in-depth

Answer 7

extends between soft palate of the oral cavity, and base of tongue at level of hyoid bone

posterior portion communicates directly with oropharynx

stratified squamous epithelium at boundary between naso and orophranyx

posterior margin of soft palate supports dangling uvula, two pairs of muscular pharyngeal arches, posterior and anterior arch

Question 8

Explain the laryngopharynx/the larynx in detail

Answer 8

includes region of pharynx lying between hyoid bone and entrance to oesophaagus

lined with stratified squamous epithelium, resists abrasion, chemicals and pathogens

upper end of lower airway

continuous with trachea below and pharynx superiorly

cartilaginous chamber: 4cm long

primary function: keep food and drink out of airway and phonation (sound)

made or 9 pieces of cartilage: thyroid, cricoid, epiglottis, arytenoid, corniculate, cuneiform

epiglottis snaps down to close larynx to ensure food goes in digestive, not respiratory system

vocal cords lie open when at rest to allow air to pass

Question 9

Memorise the anatomy of the larynx diagram

Answer 9

It is on slide 12 of the respiratory system PowerPoint