The pharynx is at the _____ of the branchial/pharyngeal apparatus used as a respiratory organ in ____ & ________
core
fish
vertebrates
What is the function of the pharynx?
- serves as a conduit for air introduced via nasal & oral cavity
What are the advantages of introducing air via the nasal cavity?
- warming
- clearance of particles
- humidification
What are some key points about the pharynx?
- FIBROMUSCULAR tube w/ a muscular layer at the core & fibrous membranes in pts where the muscle is incomplete
- mostly made of circular muscle layer (pharyngeal constrictors) & longitudinal muscles (suspend & pull up pharynx during swallowing)
- initial part of both respiratory & digestive systems
- functional & anatomical relation w. larynx
What is the function of longitudinal muscles of the pharynx?
suspend & pull up pharynx during swallowing
What is the difference b/w the longitudinal muscles of the pharynx vs those in oesophagus?
transverse & longitudinal muscles in oesophagus –> peristalsis
longitudinal muscles in pharynx –> only displace pharynx
What is a disadvantage of the positioning of the pharynx?
due to its position –> lodging of foreign bodies may occur (esp children)
What is a disadvantage of the communication of the pharynx w/ the larynx via the laryngeal inlet? What is the protective mechanism for this?
- food may enter airways –> thus larynx acts as a sphincteric device
Describe the embryological origin of the pharynx.
- pharynx & respiratory tree strongly associated bc larynx & tracheobronchial tree develop form respiratory bud in the floor of primordial pharynx w/ the laryngotracheal groove
What are the borders of the pharynx?
from base of skull to C6
anterior wall = largely incomplete due to communication w/ nasal & oral cavity
anterior to pharynx –> larynx (they’re in communication)
What are the 3 divisions of the pharynx?
- NASOpharynx
- OROpharynx
- LARYNGO/HYPO-pharynx
Why are aryepiglottic folds called “folds”?
bc they’re covered by mucosa
What are the pyriform fossae?
2 depressions of laryngopharynx
when food is swallowed –> it goes in the fossae
(usually food gets stuck here)
What are the boundaries of the pyriform fossae?
- Superior: hyoid
- Medial: aryepiglottic fold, arytenoid, cricoid cartilage
- Lateral: thyrohyoid membrane
- Inferior: inferior border of cricoid “
Deep to the pyriform fossae, we find branches of the _________ nerves. Damage to them may cause _______.
LARYNGEAL
DYSPHONIA
Aryepiglottic folds act as ramparts, what is the significance of this?
passage of food away from larynx in pyriform fossae on either side of epiglottic along the gutter is favoured by ARYEPIGLOTTIC FOLDS –> act as ramparts
also corniciate & cuneiform cartilages of larynx provide support & stuffiness to the rampart
Describe the fascial components of the pharynx & their function.
function = cover incomplete part of pharynx (w. no muscles) fascia is attached to base of skull --> extends down & splits in 2 compartments
- PHARYNGOBASILAR fascia
- inner most (lines inner surf of muscles)
- thick - BUCCOPHARYNGEAL fascia
- outermost (covers muscle layer from outside)
- thin
From outside: buccopharyngeal fascia –> muscles –> pharyngobasilar fascia –> mucosa
The inferior part of inferior ______ muscle of pharynx acts as the ______ esophageal _______
constrictor
upper
sphincter
The pharyngeal raphe attaches to the pharyngeal _______ on the occipital bone, petrous portion of temporal, ______ ________ process & hamulus
tubercle
medial pterygoid
Which structures do the muscles of the pharynx laterally attach to?
- pterygomandibular raphe
- hyoid bone
- oblique line of thyroid cartilage
What is unique about the skeletal muscles of the pharynx?
of branchiomeric origin –> so are skeletal but involuntary/ autonomic innervation
What are the 2 main divisions of pharyngeal muscles?
- Constrictor
2. Longitudinal
Constrictor muscles of the pharynx + their function.
Origin, Insertion, Function, Innervation of: SUPERIOR CONSTRICTOR.
- Origin:
- Insertion:
- Function:
- Innervation:
