Week 10.1 - The pharynx Flashcards
Describe the location of the nasopharynx. State its boudaries
- In line with C1
- From the back of the nose to the soft palate
- Superior = base of skull
- Inferior = level of soft palate
- Anterior = posterior choanae
- Posterior =nasopharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) and C1
Describe the location of the oropharynx. State its boundaries
- In line with C2 and C3
- From the soft palate to superior epiglottis
- Superior = level of the soft palate
- Inferior = supeior edge of epiglottis
- Anterior = oral cavity
- Posterior = c2/3
Describe the location of the laryngopharynx. State its boundaries
- From the superior border of epiglottis to the opening if the oesophagus/trachea
- In line with C4,5 and 6
- Superior = Superior ridge of epiglottis
- Inferior = level of inferior cricoid cartilage
- Anterior = larynx
- Posterior = c3-c6
In which part of the pharynx does the palatine tonsil lie?
-oropharynx
What lines the nasopharynx?
-Respiratory ciliated pseudostratified epithelium and stratified squamous
What structures lie in the nasopharynx?
- Adenoids
- Eustachian tube orifice
What is the palatoglossal arch?
- The anterior arch in the oral cavity
- Marks the boundary between the oral cavity an the oropharynx
What is the palatopharyngeal arch?
-Posterior arch in the oral cavity
Describe the palatine tonsil
-An encapsulated area of lymphoid tissue covered in squamous epithelium
When do the palatine tonsils begin to atrophy?
-After puberty
What makes the floor of the tonsillar fossa?
-Superior constrictor muscle
Describe the blood supply to the palatine tonsils
- Tonsillar branch of facial artery (aso lingual and ascending pharyngeal/palatine)
- Venous is pharyngeal plexus (and also paratonsilar vein)
Describe the lymphatic drainage of the palatine tonsils
-Lymphatics pierce superior constrictor muscle and pass to nodes along the internal jugular vein, specifically jugulodigastric
What tonsils create waldeyers ring?
-Palatine, adenoid (nasopharyngeal), lingual, tubal
Which nodes do the adenoids drain to?
-deep cervical and retropharyngeal