Pharynx

Question 1

What innervates the pharynx (muscles and mucosa)?

Answer 1

the pharingeal plexus

Question 2

What does the pharyngeal plexus consist of?

Answer 2

1. glossopharyngeal CN IX
2. vagus CN X
3. postganglionic sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion.

Question 3

What type of fiber supplies the pharynx from the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Answer 3

General Sensory Afferent

Special Sensory

Branchial Efferent

Question 4

What does the glossopharyngeal nerve innervate in the pharynx?

Answer 4

• the mucous membrane of the posterior one-third of the tongue
• the tonsilar area

Question 5

CN 9 gives Special Sensory to the pharynx for what?

Answer 5

it give S.Sensory to the posterior 1/3 of the tongue

Question 6

CN 9 gives Branchial Efferent to the pharynx for what?

Answer 6

Its bronchial efferent to the stylopharyngeus muscle

Question 7

What does the Vagus nerve supply in the pharynx?

Answer 7

• It supplies the taste buds of the epiglottis
• Visceral Sensory innervation of a small area of upper pharyngeal mucosa
• Branchial Efferent to muscles of soft palate

Question 8

What are the principal sensory nerves of the palate?

Answer 8

greater and lesser palatine nerves from maxillary division of trigeminal

Question 9

Describe the process of Swallowing

Answer 9

A. The bolus of food is squeezed to the back of the oral cavity by pushing the tongue against the palate.

B. The nasopharynx is sealed off and the larynx is elevated.

C. The pharyngeal sphincters contract sequentially, sequeezing food into the esophagus.

D. The bolus of food moves down the esophagus by peristalic contraction.