The pharynx

Question 1

What 3 components make up the pharynx?

Answer 1

The nasopharynx (behind the nasal cavity)
Oropharynx (behind the oral cavity)
Laryngopharynx (behind the larynx)

Question 2

What makes up the outer muscle layer of the pharynx?

Answer 2

3 Circular muscles on each side of the head:
Superior constrictors
Middle constrictors
Inferior constrictors

Question 3

What makes up the inner muscular coat of the pharynx?

Answer 3

3 longitudinal muscles on each side of the head:
Salpingopharyngeus,
Stylopharyngeus
Palatopharyngeus

Question 4

Which motor nerve supplies the pharynx?

Answer 4

Mainly cranial nerve X: the vagus nerve

Only one muscle is supplies by the glossopharyngeal nerve

Question 5

Which muscle is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Answer 5

The stylopharyngeus

Question 6

Where is there a weak point in the pharynx?

Answer 6

Where the pharynx joins the oesophagus

Question 7

What can form as a result of the weak spot between the pharynx and oesophagus?

Answer 7

Can cause the pharynx to bulge out to form a sac (Zenker’s diverticulum) that can collect food. Trapped food can be regurgitated. One symptom is halitosis, because the trapped food can start to decay

Question 8

What is the sac that can form at the weak point in the pharynx called?

Answer 8

Zenker’s diverticulum

Question 9

Which muscle is different from all the others and why?

Answer 9

Stylopharyngeus because it is the only muscle supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve and not the vagal nerve

Question 10

What is Zenker’s diverticulum?

Answer 10

Bulging of the pharynx to form a sac that can trap food