Pharynx Anatomy and Functions

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the role of the stylopharyngeus muscle during swallowing?

It shortens the pharynx.

It constricts the pharynx.

It elevates the pharynx and larynx. (correct)

It opens the auditory tube.

Which structure is located above the superior pharyngeal constrictor?

Internal laryngeal nerve

Inferior laryngeal nerve

Auditory tube (correct)

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Which nerve supplies the muscles of the pharynx for motor innervation?

Vagus nerve (correct)

Hypoglossal nerve

Accessory nerve

Glossopharyngeal nerve

What is the location of the palatopharyngeus muscle's origin?

Posterior border of hard palate Signup and view all the answers

What passes between the middle and inferior constrictors of the pharynx?

Internal laryngeal nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pharynx is solely responsible for air transmission?

Nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the oropharynx?

Transmits food and air but only one at a time Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium lines the nasopharynx?

Ciliated columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is located at the inlet of the larynx?

Epiglottis Signup and view all the answers

The walls of the nasopharynx provide which key feature?

Rigid and non-collapsible structure Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is NOT categorized as a constrictor muscle of the pharynx?

Stylohyoideus Signup and view all the answers

What forms the continuous slope of the nasopharynx's roof and posterior wall?

Body of the sphenoid Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pharynx connects to the auditory tube?

Nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the inferior constrictor muscle known as thyropharyngeus?

Oblique line of thyroid lamina Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle originates from the styloid process and inserts into the inner surface of the middle and inferior constrictors?

Stylopharyngeus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of the superior pharyngeal constrictor during swallowing?

Constricting the wall of the pharynx Signup and view all the answers

Which insertion point is common to all constrictor muscles of the pharynx?

Median raphe on the posterior wall of pharynx Signup and view all the answers

Where does the palatopharyngeus originate?

Side of hard palate Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as the attachment point for the upper end of the raphe of the pharynx?

Pharyngeal tubercle on occipital bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the salpingopharyngeus muscle?

Auditory tube Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the inferior constrictor muscle is associated with the cricoid cartilage?

Cricopharyngeus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Pharynx

A wide muscular tube located behind the nose, mouth, and larynx.
Divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
Plays a crucial role in breathing and swallowing.
The wall of the pharynx is composed of five layers: mucosa, submucosa, pharyngobasilar fascia, muscular coat, and buccopharyngeal fascia.

Nasopharynx

Situated behind the nose and above the lower border of the soft palate.
Functions primarily as a respiratory passageway.
Air passage remains patent due to rigid and non-collapsible walls.
Lined by ciliated columnar epithelium.
The mucous membrane receives blood supply and innervation.
Communicates with the nasal cavity through the posterior nasal apertures.
Communicates with the oropharynx at the pharyngeal isthmus.

Oropharynx

Middle part is situated behind the oral cavity.
Walls are formed by superior, middle, and inferior constrictors.
Communicates with the nasopharynx via the pharyngeal isthmus.
Communicates with the oral cavity via the oropharyngeal isthmus.
The lateral wall houses the palatine tonsil located in the tonsillar fossa.

Laryngopharynx

Lowest part is situated behind the larynx.
Extends from the upper border of the epiglottis to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage.
The anterior wall consists of the inlet of the larynx, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages.

Muscles of the Pharynx

Three constrictors: superior, middle, and inferior
- Constrictors: Work together to propel food down the esophagus during swallowing.
- Superior Constrictor: Originates from the pterygoid hamulus, pterygomandibular raphe, medial surface of the mandible, and side of the tongue.
- Middle Constrictor: Originates from the stylohyoid ligament and horns of the hyoid bone.
- Inferior Constrictor: Has two parts: thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus.
  - Thyropharyngeus: Originates from the oblique line of the thyroid lamina and cricothyroid muscle.
  - Cricopharyngeus: Originates from the cricoid cartilage.
- Constrictors: Insert onto a median raphe on the posterior wall of the pharynx.
Longitudinal muscles: stylopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus, and palatopharyngeus.
- Stylopharyngeus: Originates from the styloid process and inserts onto the inner surface of middle and inferior constrictors.
- Salpingopharyngeus: Originates from the auditory tube and inserts onto the thyroid cartilage and inferior constrictor.
- ** Palatopharyngeous:** Originates from the side of the hard palate and inserts onto the thyroid cartilage and blends with constrictor fibers.

Gaps Between Pharyngeal Muscles

Above Superior Constrictor: Auditory tube, levator palati, ascending palatine artery.
Between Superior and Middle Constrictor: Stylopharyngeus muscle, glossopharyngeal nerve
Between Middle and Inferior Constrictor: Internal laryngeal nerve, superior laryngeal artery.
Below Inferior Constrictor: Inferior laryngeal nerve.

Nerve Supply

All muscles of the pharynx are innervated by the vagus nerve, except the stylopharyngeus muscle, which is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the anatomy and functions of the pharynx, detailing its division into nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. It also examines the structure of the pharyngeal walls and the roles these regions play in breathing and swallowing.