Anatomy of Pharynx

The pharynx is approximately 12-14 cm in length.

The nasopharynx communicates with the nasal cavity anteriorly.

Passavant's ridge separates the nasopharynx from the oropharynx.

The posterior nasal aperture is NOT a boundary of the pharyngeal isthmus.

The basilar portion of the occipital bone forms the superior boundary of the pharynx.

The width of the pharynx at the pharyngo-esophageal junction is 1.5 cm.

The posterior boundary of the oropharynx is at the level of the body of the C2 vertebra and the upper part of C3.

The descending pharyngeal artery is NOT part of the arterial supply to the palatine tonsils.

The esophagus is the inferior boundary of the laryngopharynx.

The stylopharyngeus is not a constrictor muscle of the pharynx.

The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the stylopharyngeus muscle.

The retropharyngeal lymph nodes are located in the retropharyngeal space, behind the pharynx.