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Pharynx Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the pharynx?

A

A musculomembranous cavity connecting the oral and nasal cavities to the larynx and esophagus

The pharynx is essential for processes like deglutition and vocalization.

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2
Q

What are the three divisions of the pharynx?

A
  • Nasopharynx
  • Oropharynx
  • Laryngopharynx

The nasopharynx extends from the base of the skull to the soft palate, the oropharynx from the uvula to the hyoid bone, and the laryngopharynx from C4 to C6.

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3
Q

What role does the pharynx play?

A
  • Deglutition
  • Vocalization
  • Air conduction

These functions are crucial for swallowing, sound production, and breathing.

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4
Q

What is the arterial supply of the pharynx derived from?

A
  • External carotid artery
  • Ascending palatine branch of the facial artery
  • Tonsillar branch of the facial artery
  • Maxillary artery
  • Dorsal lingual branches of the lingual artery

These arteries provide blood to the pharynx and surrounding structures.

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5
Q

Where do the pharyngeal veins drain?

A

Into the internal jugular vein

This drainage is important for venous return from the pharynx.

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6
Q

Where do the lymphatics of the pharynx drain?

A

Into the deep cervical nodes, directly or through the retropharyngeal or paratracheal nodes

This drainage is crucial for immune response and infection control.

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7
Q

What nerves provide motor and sensory innervation to the pharynx?

A

Branches of the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves

These nerves are essential for the functions of the pharynx.

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8
Q

What type of epithelium lines the pharyngeal mucosa?

A
  • Stratified squamous epithelium
  • Ciliated pseudostratified epithelium with goblet cells

This lining is important for protection and secretion.

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9
Q

What diseases can affect the pharynx?

A
  • Pharyngitis
  • Tonsillitis
  • Diphtheria
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • Sleep apnea
  • Dysphagia
  • Pharyngeal cancer

These conditions can impact the health and functionality of the pharynx.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: The nasopharynx extends from the base of the skull to the _______.

A

soft palate

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11
Q

True or False: The laryngopharynx extends from C4 to C6.

A

True

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12
Q

What is the pharynx?

A

A musculomembranous cavity that connects the oral and nasal cavities to the larynx and esophagus

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13
Q

What is the length of the pharynx?

A

12–14 cm

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14
Q

Name the three parts of the pharynx.

A
  • Nasopharynx
  • Oropharynx
  • Laryngopharynx
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15
Q

What are the superior boundaries of the pharynx?

A

The posterior part of the body of the sphenoid and the basilar part of the occipital bone

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16
Q

What is the inferior boundary of the pharynx?

A

The upper part of the esophagus, approximately at the level of C6

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17
Q

What structures are located anteriorly to the pharynx?

A

Nasal cavity, oral cavity, and larynx

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18
Q

What is located posteriorly to the pharynx?

A

Cervical part of the vertebral column

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19
Q

What are the functions of the pharynx? List at least three.

A
  • Peristalsis and swallowing
  • Air conduction
  • Vocalization
  • Facilitates equalization of middle ear pressure
  • Prevents tracheobronchial aspiration and reflux of gastric contents
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20
Q

What is the location of the nasopharynx?

A

Extends from the base of the skull to the soft palate

Neighboring structures include the nasal choanae anteriorly, clivus and prevertebral musculature posteriorly, and pharyngeal openings of the eustachian tube laterally.

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21
Q

What are the contents of the nasopharynx?

A
  • Pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids)
  • Torus tubarius
  • Eustachian tube openings
  • Fossa of Rosenmueller
  • Superior pharyngeal constrictor muscles

The torus tubarius protects the opening of the eustachian tube.

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22
Q

What is the function of the nasopharynx?

A

Air conduction

It plays a role in connecting the nasal cavity to the throat.

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23
Q

What is the location of the oropharynx?

A

Extends from the inferior border of the soft palate to the superior aspect of the epiglottis

Neighboring structures include the oral cavity anteriorly and the upper margin of the epiglottis inferiorly.

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24
Q

What are the contents of the oropharynx?

A
  • Posterior 1/3 of the tongue
  • Lingual tonsils
  • Palatine tonsils
  • Waldeyer ring
  • Mucosal pouches (valleculae)
  • Superior constrictor muscle

It is part of the conducting zone of the respiratory system.

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25
What is the function of the oropharynx?
Air conduction and food passage
26
What is the location of the laryngopharynx?
Extends from the epiglottis to the beginning of the esophagus ## Footnote Neighboring structures include the upper margin of the epiglottis superiorly and the esophagus at the level of the cricoid cartilage inferiorly.
27
What are the contents of the laryngopharynx?
* Piriform recess * Middle pharyngeal constrictor * Inferior pharyngeal constrictor ## Footnote Food particles can become trapped in the piriform recess.
28
What is a significant risk associated with the laryngopharynx?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx most commonly develops in this region
29
What are the two groups of muscles in the pharynx?
Pharyngeal constrictors and pharyngeal elevators
30
What is the function of pharyngeal constrictors?
Contract sequentially to move the bolus of food through the pharynx into the esophagus
31
What is the role of pharyngeal elevators?
Elevate the pharyngeal wall to protect the airway and widen and shorten the pharynx to move the bolus of food
32
What is the origin of the superior pharyngeal constrictor?
The pterygomandibular ligament, medial pterygoid plate, pterygoid hamulus
33
What is the insertion point of the superior pharyngeal constrictor?
The mandible (on the mylohyoid line) and pharyngeal raphe
34
What is the function of the superior pharyngeal constrictor?
Constricts the upper part of the pharynx and prevents passage of food into the nose while eating
35
What nerve innervates the superior pharyngeal constrictor?
CN X
36
What is the origin of the middle pharyngeal constrictor?
The stylohyoid ligament
37
What is the insertion point of the middle pharyngeal constrictor?
The lesser and greater horns of the hyoid bone
38
What is the function of the middle pharyngeal constrictor?
Constricts the middle part of the pharynx and aids in the transfer of food to the esophagus
39
What nerve innervates the middle pharyngeal constrictor?
CN X
40
What is the origin of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor?
Thyropharyngeus (superior component) from the lamina of the thyroid cartilage
41
What is the function of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor?
Constricts the lower part of the pharynx and transfers food to the esophagus
42
What is the cricopharyngeus?
The inferior component of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor
43
What is the function of the cricopharyngeus?
Main component of the upper esophageal sphincter; prevents passage of food into the trachea while eating
44
What does the inferior pharyngeal constrictor prevent?
Tracheobronchial aspiration and pharyngeal reflux of gastric contents
45
What are the three longitudinal muscles of the pharynx?
Stylopharyngeus, Palatopharyngeus, Salpingopharyngeus ## Footnote These muscles are named based on their origins.
46
What is the origin of the Stylopharyngeus muscle?
The styloid process ## Footnote The stylopharyngeus muscle elevates the pharynx and larynx.
47
What is the insertion point for the Stylopharyngeus muscle?
Pharyngeal wall, mainly into the thyroid cartilage ## Footnote This muscle is innervated by CN IX.
48
What is the primary function of the Palatopharyngeus muscle?
Elevation of the pharynx ## Footnote The Palatopharyngeus muscle originates from the palatine aponeurosis.
49
What is the innervation of the Palatopharyngeus muscle?
CN X ## Footnote It inserts into the pharyngeal wall, into the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage.
50
What is the origin of the Salpingopharyngeus muscle?
The pharyngeal end of Eustachian tube ## Footnote This muscle assists the tensor veli palatini in opening the Eustachian tube during swallowing.
51
What is the insertion point for the Salpingopharyngeus muscle?
Pharyngeal wall, blending with the palatopharyngeus muscle ## Footnote Its main function is elevation of the pharynx.
52
True or False: The Salpingopharyngeus muscle is innervated by CN IX.
False ## Footnote The Salpingopharyngeus muscle is innervated by CN X.
53
Fill in the blank: The function of the Stylopharyngeus muscle is _______.
Elevates the pharynx and larynx ## Footnote It is innervated by CN IX.
54
Fill in the blank: The Palatopharyngeus muscle originates from the _______.
palatine aponeurosis ## Footnote Its function is to elevate the pharynx.
55
Fill in the blank: The Salpingopharyngeus muscle assists the _______ in opening the Eustachian tube during swallowing.
tensor veli palatini ## Footnote This muscle elevates the pharynx.
56
What arteries supply the upper portion of the pharynx?
Branches of the external carotid artery, ascending pharyngeal artery, ascending palatine and tonsillar branches of the facial artery, branches of the lingual and maxillary arteries ## Footnote These arteries provide the necessary blood supply to the upper pharyngeal region.
57
What artery supplies the lower portion of the pharynx?
Pharyngeal branches from the inferior thyroid artery ## Footnote The inferior thyroid artery is crucial for supplying blood to the lower pharyngeal region.
58
What is the pharyngeal venous plexus responsible for?
Draining superiorly into the pterygoid plexus and inferiorly into the internal jugular vein ## Footnote This venous drainage is important for maintaining venous return from the pharynx.
59
Where does the lymphatic drainage of the pharynx go?
Direct drainage into the deep cervical lymph nodes (retropharyngeal, paratracheal, and infrahyoid nodes) ## Footnote These lymph nodes play a critical role in immune response and drainage.
60
What is the sensory innervation of the nasopharynx?
Pharyngeal branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2) ## Footnote This nerve provides sensory innervation to the nasopharyngeal area.
61
Which cranial nerve innervates all muscles of the pharynx except for one?
Vagus nerve (CN X) ## Footnote The only exception is the stylopharyngeus muscle, which is innervated by a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
62
Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the oropharynx?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) ## Footnote This nerve is essential for sensory functions in the oropharyngeal region.
63
What is the motor innervation for the laryngopharynx?
Vagus nerve (CN X) - internal branch ## Footnote This innervation is critical for the motor function of the laryngopharynx.
64
Fill in the blank: All muscles of the pharynx are innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X), except for the _______ muscle.
stylopharyngeus ## Footnote This muscle has a unique innervation pattern compared to other pharyngeal muscles.
65
What is the function of the nasopharynx?
Airway ## Footnote The nasopharynx serves as a passageway for air.
66
What are the two main types of epithelium found in the nasopharynx?
* Stratified squamous epithelium * Ciliated respiratory-type epithelium with goblet cells ## Footnote These epithelial types contribute to the protective and secretory functions of the nasopharynx.
67
What lymphoid aggregates are found in the nasopharynx?
Adenoid tonsils ## Footnote The adenoid tonsils play a role in the immune response.
68
What type of glands are present in the nasopharynx?
Seromucous glands ## Footnote These glands produce mucus and serous fluid to moisten and protect the airway.
69
What type of cells are located in the nasopharynx?
Basal cells ## Footnote Basal cells are involved in the regeneration of the epithelium.
70
What are the functions of the oropharynx and laryngopharynx?
* Airway * Digestive tract ## Footnote Both regions serve as conduits for air and food.
71
What type of epithelium is found in the oropharynx and laryngopharynx?
Stratified squamous nonkeratinizing type epithelium ## Footnote This epithelium provides protection against abrasion.
72
What lymphoid aggregates are found in the oropharynx?
* Palatine tonsils * Lingual tonsils ## Footnote These tonsils are involved in the immune response.
73
What structural component is present in the oropharynx and laryngopharynx?
Elastic fibers ## Footnote Elastic fibers provide flexibility and support to these regions.
74
When does the development of the pharyngeal apparatus begin?
At the 4th week of gestation.
75
What structures are associated with the first pharyngeal arch?
* Palate * Palatine tonsils * Tensor veli palatini muscle
76
What structures are associated with the second pharyngeal arch?
* Posterior one-third of the tongue * Hyoid bones (lesser horn and body)
77
What structures are associated with the third pharyngeal arch?
* Stylopharyngeus muscle * Hyoid bones (lesser horn and body) * Posterior one-third of the tongue
78
What structures are associated with the fourth pharyngeal arch?
* Remaining constrictor and longitudinal muscle groups
79
What structures are associated with the sixth pharyngeal arch?
80
What structures are associated with the second pharyngeal pouch?
* Epithelial crypts of palatine tonsil * Supratonsillar fossa
81
What type of epithelium covers the nasal portion of the pharyngeal mucosa?
Nasal respiratory epithelium
82
What type of epithelium is found in the oral and laryngeal portions of the pharyngeal mucosa?
Stratified squamous non-keratinized
83
What do the pharyngeal glands provide?
Lubricating mucous
84
What is the role of the elastic fibers in the subepithelial connective tissue of the pharynx?
Allow the pharyngeal wall to stretch and recoil
85
What separates the mucosa of the pharynx from the skeleton of the larynx?
Venous plexus
86
What is the buccopharyngeal fascia?
The fascia that covers the muscular layer of the pharynx and continues onto the buccinator muscle
87
Which arteries supply the upper parts of the pharynx?
Branches of the facial and maxillary arteries
88
What artery arises from the external carotid artery to supply the lower pharynx and larynx?
Ascending pharyngeal artery
89
What does the superior thyroid artery supply?
The lowest part of the pharynx and part of the esophagus
90
Where does the venous drainage of the pharynx occur?
Into the pharyngeal plexus, posterior to the pharynx
91
What constitutes the pharyngeal plexus?
Branches of Glossopharyngeal, Vagus and Sympathetic nerves
92
Which nerve supplies motor function to all muscles of the pharynx except Stylopharyngeus?
Cranial part of accessory nerve via the Vagus
93
Which nerve supplies the sensory innervation of the nasopharynx?
Maxillary nerve (CN-V2) via Pharyngeal branch of sphenopalatine ganglion
94
What supplies the oropharynx primarily?
Glossopharyngeal nerve
95
What nerve supplies the laryngopharynx around the laryngeal inlet?
Internal laryngeal branch of Vagus
96
What lymph nodes are involved in the lymphatic drainage of the pharynx?
Retropharyngeal lymph nodes
97
What is the pharynx?
A fibromuscular tube that serves as a pathway for both food and air.
98
How many parts is the pharynx divided into?
Three parts: Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, and Laryngopharynx.
99
What are the boundaries of the pharynx?
Extends from the base of the skull to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage anteriorly and to the lower border of C-6 posteriorly.
100
What does the pharynx become at its lower boundary?
The esophagus.
101
What is the Pharyngobasilar fascia?
The fibrous coat of the pharyngeal wall situated between the mucous and muscular coats.
102
Where is the Pharyngobasilar fascia attached?
Attached above to the basilar part of the occipital bone and the petrous part of the temporal bone.
103
What forms the wall of the non-muscular pharynx?
The Pharyngobasilar fascia and the mucosa that lines it.
104
What is the location of the Nasopharynx?
Above the soft palate, receiving the choanae.
105
What bones form the roof and posterior walls of the Nasopharynx?
Sphenoid bone and basilar part of the Occipital bone.
106
What are Pharyngeal tonsils?
Lymphoid tissues found in the mucous membrane of the Nasopharynx.
107
What is the Orifice for the auditory tube also known as?
Eustachian tube.
108
What is the Torus Tubarius?
A small ridge caused by the projection of the cartilaginous part of the Eustachian tube.
109
What is the Salpingopharyngeal fold?
A fold that covers the Salpingopharyngeus muscle, responsible for opening the auditory tube during chewing.
110
What is Passavant Ridge?
A prominence on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx formed during swallowing.
111
What is the Oropharynx?
The part of the pharynx that opens to the oral cavity via the Oropharyngeal Isthmus.
112
What are the borders of the Oropharynx?
Superior border is the soft palate; inferior border is the base of the tongue and superior border of the epiglottis.
113
Where are the Palatine tonsils located?
In the Oropharynx, within the Tonsillar bed between the palatine arches.
114
What is the Laryngopharynx?
The part of the pharynx that runs from the superior border of the epiglottis to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage.
115
What does the Laryngopharynx connect to later?
The esophagus.
116
What is the Inlet or Aditus of the larynx?
The opening of the larynx that the Laryngopharynx is in contact with.
117
What are Piriform recesses?
Bilateral depressions of the laryngoharyngeal cavity located at the sides of the laryngeal inlet.
118
What is the Aryepiglottic fold?
A fold found between the Piriform recesses and the inlet of the larynx.
119
What are the main functions of the constrictors of the pharynx?
To involuntarily propel food downward towards the esophagus
120
Which constrictor of the pharynx is the innermost?
Superior constrictor
121
What is the outermost constrictor of the pharynx?
Inferior constrictor
122
List the origins of the superior constrictor of the pharynx.
* Pterygopharyngeal part (Pterygoid process) * Buccopharyngeal part (Pterygomandibular raphe) * Mylopharyngeal part (Mylohyoid line of mandible) * Glossopharyngeal part (root of tongue)
123
What are the origins of the middle constrictor of the pharynx?
* Chondropharyngeal part (Greater & lesser horns of Hyoid bone) * Ceratopharyngeal part (Stylohyoid ligament)
124
Identify the origins of the inferior constrictor of the pharynx.
* Thyropharyngeal part (Thyroid cartilage) * Cricopharyngeal part (Cricoid cartilage)
125
What is the function of the cricopharyngeal part of the inferior constrictor?
It has a sphincteric function for the esophagus, forming the upper esophageal sphincter (UES)
126
Where do all the constrictors of the pharynx insert?
Posteriorly in the midline on the Median raphe of pharynx and the pharyngeal tubercle
127
What are the three intrinsic muscles that elevate the pharynx and larynx?
* Stylopharyngeus muscle * Palatopharyngeus muscle * Salpingopharyngeal muscle
128
What is the origin of the stylopharyngeus muscle?
Styloid process
129
Where does the stylopharyngeus muscle insert?
The anterior and posterior parts of the thyroid cartilage
130
What is the origin of the palatopharyngeus muscle?
Hard palate and the palatine aponeurosis
131
Where does the palatopharyngeus muscle insert?
Posterior border of the Thyroid cartilage lamina
132
What is the origin of the salpingopharyngeal muscle?
Cartilaginous part of the auditory tube
133
Where does the salpingopharyngeal muscle insert?
Palatopharyngeus muscle
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