The pharynx Flashcards
What are the anterior and posterior borders of the nasopharynx?
Nasal choanae
C1
What is the function of the tensor veli palatini?
Stretches the soft palate
What is the function of levator veli palatini?
Lifts the soft palate
What are the anterior and posterior borders of the oropharynx?
Palatal arches to C2/3
What are the anterior and posterior borders of the laryngopharynx?
Larynx to C3-C6
What does the cricopharyngeus muscle form?
Upper oesophageal sphincter
Describe the innervation of the nasopharynx.
CN Vb + CN IX
Describe the innervation of the oropharynx.
CN IX
Describe the innervation of the laryngopharynx.
CN IX + X
Name the 3 pharyngeal constrictor muscles.
Superior, middle, and inferior constrictors
What is the motor innervation of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles?
CN X
The middle pharyngeal constrictor attaches to which bone and ligament?
Hyoid bone
Stylohyoid ligament
The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle attaches to which connective tissue band?
Pterygomandibular raphe
Describe a pathology which might affect the styloid process and associated symptoms.
Eagle syndrome – elongated styloid processes can cause painful swallowing, or trouble swallowing (dysphagia), and the sensation of something being stuck in the throat
The pharyngeal constrictor muscles are all connected posteriorly by what?
Midline raphe
In what location would a Zenker’s diverticulum occur and why in this area?
The weak spot at the junction between the inferior constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscle as there is a change in the direction of muscle fibres
What is the piriform fossa and what is its function?
A recess between the larynx and lateral thyroid cartilage which serves as a conduit for food and liquids, guiding them around the sides of the larynx and toward the oesophagus and thus minimising the risk of aspiration
Where in the throat is a common place for foreign objects such as food particles to get stuck?
Piriform fossa
What is the location of the vallecula?
Anterior to the epiglottis and posterior to the base of the tongue
How could the vallecula be utilised clinically?
The blade of a laryngoscope can be placed in the vallecula to pull the tongue forwards if a tracheal intubation is needed
Which 5 muscles help to elevate/shorten & widen the pharynx?
Tensor veli palatini
Levator veli palatini
Salpingopharyngeus
Stylopharyngeus
Palatopharyngeus
Which pharyngeal muscle is innervated by CN IX?
Stylopharyngeus
Which 2 muscles are found at the entrance to the oropharynx?
Palatopharyngeus
Palatoglossus
List the 4 types of lymphoid tissue found in Waldeyer’s ring.
Adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils)
Tubal tonsils
Palatine tonsils
Lingual tonsils
Which
CN Vc
Apart from 2 muscles, all pharyngeal muscles are innervated by which CN?
Which 2 muscles are the exception, and which CN’s innervate them?
All pharyngeal muscles, apart from two, innervated by CN X
Stylopharyngeus - CN IX
Tensor veli palatini - CN Vc
Which pharyngeal muscle is innervated by CN Vc?
Tensor veli palatini
With a soft palate paralysis, which way will the uvula point?
Uvula will point towards healthy side
If a patient has no sensation / no reaction to a gag reflex, which CN is damaged?
CN IX
