Anatomy of the Pharynx

Study Notes

The pharynx is a muscular tube that extends from the base of the skull to the cricoid cartilage (C6)
It is divided into three parts:
1. Nasopharynx: lies behind the nasal cavity and above the soft palate
2. Oropharynx: lies behind the oral cavity and below the soft palate
3. Laryngopharynx: lies behind the larynx and extends to the cricoid cartilage
The pharynx is lined with mucous membrane and contains lymphoid tissue (e.g., tonsils and adenoids)

Respiratory function: allows air to pass from the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx
Digestive function: allows food to pass from the oral cavity to the esophagus
Speech function: plays a role in the production of speech sounds
Immune function: contains lymphoid tissue that helps to filter out pathogens and other foreign substances

The pharynx plays a crucial role in the swallowing process
Phases of swallowing:
1. Oral phase: food is chewed and mixed with saliva in the oral cavity
2. Pharyngeal phase: food is propelled through the pharynx by the tongue and the pharyngeal muscles
3. Esophageal phase: food is propelled through the esophagus and into the stomach
Swallowing reflex: a complex reflex that involves the coordination of multiple muscles and nerves to ensure safe and efficient passage of food and air through the pharynx

The pharynx is a muscular tube extending from the base of the skull to the cricoid cartilage (C6)
It consists of three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx
The nasopharynx lies behind the nasal cavity and above the soft palate
The oropharynx lies behind the oral cavity and below the soft palate
The laryngopharynx lies behind the larynx and extends to the cricoid cartilage
The pharynx is lined with mucous membrane and contains lymphoid tissue, including tonsils and adenoids

The pharynx has a respiratory function, allowing air to pass from the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx
It has a digestive function, allowing food to pass from the oral cavity to the esophagus
The pharynx plays a role in the production of speech sounds
It contains lymphoid tissue that helps filter out pathogens and other foreign substances, serving an immune function

The pharynx plays a crucial role in the swallowing process
The oral phase of swallowing involves chewing and mixing food with saliva in the oral cavity
The pharyngeal phase involves propelling food through the pharynx by the tongue and pharyngeal muscles
The esophageal phase involves propelling food through the esophagus and into the stomach
The swallowing reflex is a complex reflex that coordinates multiple muscles and nerves to ensure safe and efficient passage of food and air through the pharynx

The pharynx is a muscular tube located behind the nose and mouth, approximately 5 inches (13 cm) long.

The pharynx is divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

The nasopharynx is the upper part of the pharynx, extending from the base of the skull to the soft palate.
It contains adenoids, which help fight infection.
Nasal passages open into the nasopharynx.

The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx, extending from the soft palate to the hyoid bone.
It contains the tonsils, which help fight infection.
Mouth and nasal passages open into the oropharynx.

The laryngopharynx is the lower part of the pharynx, extending from the hyoid bone to the cricoid cartilage.
It is a common passage for food and air.
It leads to the esophagus and larynx.

The pharynx has two types of muscles: intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.
Intrinsic muscles, also known as constrictor muscles, help swallow food.
Extrinsic muscles, also known as elevator muscles, help open the upper esophageal sphincter.

The pharynx receives its arterial supply from the pharyngeal arteries, which branch from the external carotid artery.
Venous drainage is via the pharyngeal veins to the internal jugular vein.
The pharynx is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus of nerves.