A14 Pharynx

Question 1

Define the regions of the pharynx

Answer 1

Nasopharynx

Oropharynx

Larynopharynx

Question 2

Describe the boundaries of the pharyngeal regions

Answer 2

Pharyngeal opening
- opening from oral cavity to oropharynx
- formed by soft palate, tongue & palatoglossal arch

Choanae (caudal nares)
- osseous opening between caudal nasal cavity & nasopharynx

Pharyngeal opening of auditory tube
- openings in lateral walls leading to auditory tubes

Oesophageal opening
- opening at caudal end of larynopharynx into oesophagus

Question 3

Describe the function of the pharynx

Answer 3

Digestive function: swallowing
Respiratory function: conduction

• common passageway for respiratory & digestive system
• connects nasal passage with trachea
• connects oral cavity with oesophagus

Question 4

Describe the three groups of pharyngeal muscles

Answer 4

Constrictors:
pterygopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, hyopharyngeus, thyropharyngeus, cricopharyngeus

Shorteners:
Pterygopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus

Dilator:
Stylopharyngeus

Question 5

Describe the action of the muscles of the pharynx

Answer 5

Constrictors: push food towards aesophagus

Shorteners: shorten the pharynx

Dilator: contracts & pulls nasopharyngeal wall dorsally when swallowing