Podcast
Questions and Answers
The pharyngeal tonsil is positioned low on the anterior wall at the level of the basiocciput.
The pharyngeal tonsil is positioned low on the anterior wall at the level of the basiocciput.
False (B)
The palatoglossal arches form the boundary between the pharynx and the mouth.
The palatoglossal arches form the boundary between the pharynx and the mouth.
True (A)
The tonsillar branch of the lingual artery is the main blood supply to the palatine tonsil.
The tonsillar branch of the lingual artery is the main blood supply to the palatine tonsil.
False (B)
Pharyngeal mucosa covering the medial surface of the tonsil displays openings of tonsillar crypts.
Pharyngeal mucosa covering the medial surface of the tonsil displays openings of tonsillar crypts.
Signup and view all the answers
The intratonsillar cleft is correctly termed supratonsillar as it is located above the tonsil.
The intratonsillar cleft is correctly termed supratonsillar as it is located above the tonsil.
Signup and view all the answers
During a tonsillectomy, the internal carotid artery is immediately adjacent to the pharyngeal wall.
During a tonsillectomy, the internal carotid artery is immediately adjacent to the pharyngeal wall.
Signup and view all the answers
A catheter inserted into the pharyngeal recess may perforate the fascia and enter the internal carotid artery.
A catheter inserted into the pharyngeal recess may perforate the fascia and enter the internal carotid artery.
Signup and view all the answers
The mucosa around the tonsil forms a capsule derived from the pharyngobasilar fascia.
The mucosa around the tonsil forms a capsule derived from the pharyngobasilar fascia.
Signup and view all the answers
The palatine, lingual, pharyngeal, and tubal tonsils collectively form what is known as Rosencart's ring.
The palatine, lingual, pharyngeal, and tubal tonsils collectively form what is known as Rosencart's ring.
Signup and view all the answers
The posterior part of the oropharynx is formed by the constrictor muscles.
The posterior part of the oropharynx is formed by the constrictor muscles.
Signup and view all the answers
The internal carotid artery is typically more than 2 cm away from the tonsillar bed but may risk damage if curled towards the pharyngeal wall.
The internal carotid artery is typically more than 2 cm away from the tonsillar bed but may risk damage if curled towards the pharyngeal wall.
Signup and view all the answers
The piriform recess is bounded medially by the quadrangular membrane above the aryepiglottic fold.
The piriform recess is bounded medially by the quadrangular membrane above the aryepiglottic fold.
Signup and view all the answers
The mucosa of the valleculae is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.
The mucosa of the valleculae is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.
Signup and view all the answers
The glossopharyngeal nerve is at risk if the lower part of the superior constrictor muscle is pierced.
The glossopharyngeal nerve is at risk if the lower part of the superior constrictor muscle is pierced.
Signup and view all the answers
Upon entering the larynx, the superior and inferior laryngeal vessels and nerves maintain independent pathways without anastomosis.
Upon entering the larynx, the superior and inferior laryngeal vessels and nerves maintain independent pathways without anastomosis.
Signup and view all the answers
The pharynx's anterior wall is largely deficient to allow communication with the stomach, liver, and lungs.
The pharynx's anterior wall is largely deficient to allow communication with the stomach, liver, and lungs.
Signup and view all the answers
The nasopharynx remains open for breathing due to the stiffness of the pharyngobasilar fascia.
The nasopharynx remains open for breathing due to the stiffness of the pharyngobasilar fascia.
Signup and view all the answers
The muscular wall of the pharynx is made up of five curved sheets of muscle.
The muscular wall of the pharynx is made up of five curved sheets of muscle.
Signup and view all the answers
The pharyngobasilar fascia is a thickening of the submucosa that reaches up to the base of the skull.
The pharyngobasilar fascia is a thickening of the submucosa that reaches up to the base of the skull.
Signup and view all the answers
Passavant's ridge acts like a purse-string on the upper free margin of the pharyngobasilar fascia.
Passavant's ridge acts like a purse-string on the upper free margin of the pharyngobasilar fascia.
Signup and view all the answers
The pharyngobasilar fascia is attached to the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube.
The pharyngobasilar fascia is attached to the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube.
Signup and view all the answers
The attachment of the pharyngobasilar fascia passes lateral to the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube.
The attachment of the pharyngobasilar fascia passes lateral to the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube.
Signup and view all the answers
The superior constrictor muscle is enclosed within the middle constrictor.
The superior constrictor muscle is enclosed within the middle constrictor.
Signup and view all the answers
The superior constrictor muscle is the only muscle in the pharyngeal wall.
The superior constrictor muscle is the only muscle in the pharyngeal wall.
Signup and view all the answers
The stylohyoid ligament is attached to the greater horn of the hyoid bone.
The stylohyoid ligament is attached to the greater horn of the hyoid bone.
Signup and view all the answers
The pharyngeal raphe receives fibers from the constrictor muscles.
The pharyngeal raphe receives fibers from the constrictor muscles.
Signup and view all the answers
The cricopharyngeus part of the inferior constrictor is composed largely of 'slow twitch' fibers.
The cricopharyngeus part of the inferior constrictor is composed largely of 'slow twitch' fibers.
Signup and view all the answers
The pterygomandibular raphe is located at the anterior end of the mylohyoid line.
The pterygomandibular raphe is located at the anterior end of the mylohyoid line.
Signup and view all the answers
The medial pterygoid plate has a sharp to touch lower part.
The medial pterygoid plate has a sharp to touch lower part.
Signup and view all the answers
The middle and inferior constrictors have a gap closed by the thyrohyoid membrane.
The middle and inferior constrictors have a gap closed by the thyrohyoid membrane.
Signup and view all the answers
The cricopharyngeus acts as a sphincter at the upper extent of the pharynx.
The cricopharyngeus acts as a sphincter at the upper extent of the pharynx.
Signup and view all the answers
The auditory tube passes through the space between the superior constrictor and pharyngeal tubercle.
The auditory tube passes through the space between the superior constrictor and pharyngeal tubercle.
Signup and view all the answers
The levator palati muscle is covered medially by the mucous membrane.
The levator palati muscle is covered medially by the mucous membrane.
Signup and view all the answers
The recurrent laryngeal nerve passes upwards deep to the lower border of the superior constrictor.
The recurrent laryngeal nerve passes upwards deep to the lower border of the superior constrictor.
Signup and view all the answers
The buccopharyngeal fascia is often confused with the pharyngobasilar fascia due to their similar strength and visibility.
The buccopharyngeal fascia is often confused with the pharyngobasilar fascia due to their similar strength and visibility.
Signup and view all the answers
Killian's dehiscence is a potentially weak area between the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus.
Killian's dehiscence is a potentially weak area between the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus.
Signup and view all the answers
Stylopharyngeus muscle is supplied by the pharyngeal plexus.
Stylopharyngeus muscle is supplied by the pharyngeal plexus.
Signup and view all the answers
Blood is largely drained from the pharynx into the internal jugular vein via the pharyngeal venous plexus.
Blood is largely drained from the pharynx into the internal jugular vein via the pharyngeal venous plexus.
Signup and view all the answers
The nasopharynx extends from the lower border of the soft palate to the base of the skull.
The nasopharynx extends from the lower border of the soft palate to the base of the skull.
Signup and view all the answers
The interior of the pharynx can be easily inspected from the outside.
The interior of the pharynx can be easily inspected from the outside.
Signup and view all the answers
Lymph from the pharynx is drained directly to the retropharyngeal lymph nodes.
Lymph from the pharynx is drained directly to the retropharyngeal lymph nodes.
Signup and view all the answers
The pharyngeal fibers of the vagus nerve carry afferent and motor fibers.
The pharyngeal fibers of the vagus nerve carry afferent and motor fibers.
Signup and view all the answers
In some species, pharyngeal diverticula form normally, such as the pig.
In some species, pharyngeal diverticula form normally, such as the pig.
Signup and view all the answers
Flashcards
Pharynx
Pharynx
A fibromuscular tube connecting the nose, mouth, and larynx.
Muscle Layers
Muscle Layers
The pharynx has three muscle constrictors: superior, middle, and inferior.
Pharyngobasilar fascia
Pharyngobasilar fascia
A dense membrane that stabilizes the nasopharynx and keeps it open.
Superior constrictor muscle
Superior constrictor muscle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Passavant's ridge
Passavant's ridge
Signup and view all the flashcards
Longus capitis
Longus capitis
Signup and view all the flashcards
Nasopharynx
Nasopharynx
Signup and view all the flashcards
Constrictor muscle function
Constrictor muscle function
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pharyngeal Tonsil
Pharyngeal Tonsil
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pharyngeal Recess
Pharyngeal Recess
Signup and view all the flashcards
Torus Tubarius
Torus Tubarius
Signup and view all the flashcards
Oropharynx
Oropharynx
Signup and view all the flashcards
Palatine Tonsils
Palatine Tonsils
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lingual Tonsil
Lingual Tonsil
Signup and view all the flashcards
Waldeyer's Ring
Waldeyer's Ring
Signup and view all the flashcards
Tonsillar Crypts
Tonsillar Crypts
Signup and view all the flashcards
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Drainage
Signup and view all the flashcards
Tonsil Dissection
Tonsil Dissection
Signup and view all the flashcards
Haemorrhage Risks
Haemorrhage Risks
Signup and view all the flashcards
Valleculae
Valleculae
Signup and view all the flashcards
Laryngopharynx
Laryngopharynx
Signup and view all the flashcards
Piriform Recess
Piriform Recess
Signup and view all the flashcards
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Signup and view all the flashcards
Killian's Dehiscence
Killian's Dehiscence
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pharyngeal Diverticulum
Pharyngeal Diverticulum
Signup and view all the flashcards
Palatopharyngeus Muscle
Palatopharyngeus Muscle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Stylopharyngeus Muscle
Stylopharyngeus Muscle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pharyngeal Plexus
Pharyngeal Plexus
Signup and view all the flashcards
Nasal Part of Pharynx
Nasal Part of Pharynx
Signup and view all the flashcards
Oropharyngeal Isthmus
Oropharyngeal Isthmus
Signup and view all the flashcards
Auditory Tube Openings
Auditory Tube Openings
Signup and view all the flashcards
Levator Palati Muscle
Levator Palati Muscle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Superior Constrictor
Superior Constrictor
Signup and view all the flashcards
Middle Constrictor
Middle Constrictor
Signup and view all the flashcards
Inferior Constrictor
Inferior Constrictor
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cricopharyngeus
Cricopharyngeus
Signup and view all the flashcards
Stylopharyngeus
Stylopharyngeus
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pterygomandibular Raphe
Pterygomandibular Raphe
Signup and view all the flashcards
Thyrohyoid Membrane
Thyrohyoid Membrane
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vocal Folds
Vocal Folds
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Pharynx Structure and Function
- Fibromuscular tube located behind the face, connecting nose, mouth, and larynx.
- Anterior wall is deficient, allowing wide communication with nasal cavity, oral cavity, and larynx.
- Extends downward approximately __.
Muscular Wall
- Thin muscular wall composed of three constrictor muscles (superior, middle, inferior), plus three smaller muscles (stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus).
- Muscles overlap posteriorly, like stacked cups.
- Upper border doesn't reach the skull base – pharyngobasilar fascia fills gap.
- Pharyngobasilar fascia is a dense submucosal thickening, extending to the soft palate, keeping nasopharynx open.
- Pharyngeal raphe, a midline thickening, is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle and receives constrictor muscle fibers.
- Pharyngobasilar fascia's lateral attachments to temporal bone, auditory tube, medial pterygoid plate, and hamullus creates a rigid structure.
Parts of the Pharynx and their Muscles
Superior Constrictors
- Origin: medial pterygoid plate, hamulus, pterygomandibular raphe, mandible
- The upper third of the medial pterygoid plate is more rounded than the lower third, which is concave. The free end of the tubal cartilage sits in this concave region.
- Fibers arise below the auditory tube and along the sharp two-thirds of the medial pterygoid plate, down to the hamulus.
- The muscle fibers originate outside the pharyngobasilar fascia.
- They extend backwards and diverge upwards, converging at the midline pharyngeal raphe.
- Most fibers stop within the middle constrictor.
- Lowermost fibers reach the levels of the vocal folds.
- There's a space between the superior constrictor and the skull base, used by the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube.
Middle Constrictors
- Origin: angle between stylohyoid ligament and greater horn of hyoid bone
- Fibers diverge widely to the median raphe, enclosing the superior constrictor.
- Uppermost fibers reach the raphe and enclose the superior constrictor.
- Lower fibres extend down to the level of the vocal folds.
- The middle constrictor is enclosed within the inferior constrictor.
- The thyrohyoid membrane fills the gap between the middle and inferior constrictors.
Inferior Constrictors
- Two parts:
-
Thyropharyngeus: originates from the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage and a fibrous arch spanning the cricothyroid.
-
Fibres enclose the middle and superior constrictors and curve towards the midline raphe.
-
Some fibres almost reach the pharyngeal tubercle.
-
Lower fibers are horizontal, adjoining the cricopharyngeus.
-
Cricopharyngeus: Rounded and thicker than the other constrictors. Extends around the cricoid arch, acting as a sphincter (closed except for deglutition). Continuous with the esophagus's muscular coat.
-
Has a different nerve supply than the other constrictors.
-
Additional Muscles
- Stylopharyngeus: arises from the styloid process, crosses internal carotid artery and the lower border of the superior constrictor.
- Inserted into the thyroid lamina and side wall of pharynx.
- Supplied by glossopharyngeal nerve.
- Palatopharyngeus: origin from the soft palate, passes internally to the superior constrictor.
- Salpingopharyngeus: arises from the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube, blending with palatopharyngeus.
Blood Supply
- Multiple arteries supply the pharynx (e.g., ascending pharyngeal, ascending palatine, lingual, tonsillar, greater palatine, pterygoid canal artery).
- Venous blood drains into the pharyngeal venous plexus, then to the pterygoid plexus or internal jugular vein.
Lymph Drainage
- Lymph drains to retropharyngeal lymph nodes and deep cervical groups.
Nerve Supply
- Most pharyngeal muscles are supplied by the pharyngeal plexus (vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves, cervical sympathetic).
- Stylopharyngeus is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve.
- Cricopharyngeus may be supplied by the recurrent laryngeal or external laryngeal nerve.
- Cell bodies for all pharyngeal muscles are in the nucleus ambiguus.
Pharynx Divisions
Nasopharynx
- Extends from skull base to soft palate.
- Pharyngobasilar fascia prevents collapse.
- Communicates with nasal cavity, soft palate forms anterior wall.
- Contains pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids), pharyngeal recess (fossa of Rosenmüller), and auditory tube openings.
Oropharynx
- Extends from soft palate to epiglottis.
- Formed by the three constrictors, open for breathing.
- Anterior wall is the tongue's posterior part.
- Sides have palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches (containing palatine tonsils).
Laryngopharynx
- Extends from epiglottis to cricoid cartilage.
- Contains laryngeal inlet and piriform recesses.
- Posterior wall formed by constrictors down to vocal folds; Killian's dehiscence and cricopharyngeus beneath.
- Thyrohyoid membrane, perforated by superior laryngeal vessels and internal laryngeal nerve.
- Piriform recesses are vulnerable to perforation by endoscopes.
Clinical Significance
- Pharyngeal diverticulum: pouch formation from Killian's dehiscence, potentially enlarging and hanging.
- Tonsillectomy: dissection from the tonsillar bed.
- Potential hazards: haemorrhage from paratonsillar vein from cutting close to the tonsil, damage to arterial supply (tonsillar/ascending palatine/internal carotid).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the structure and function of the pharynx, including its muscular composition and anatomical relationships. Explore the details of the fibromuscular tube that connects the nose, mouth, and larynx, along with the roles of its associated muscles. This quiz will enhance your understanding of pharyngeal anatomy.
