Pharynx (dave's notes)

Question 1

Describe the pharynx. What three parts does it have?

Answer 1

A fibromuscular tube applied to the back of the face, largely deficient anteriorly. Nasal, oral and laryngeal parts.

Question 2

What landmarks herald the start and end of the pharynx? How long is it? What fascia is associated with the beginning of the pharynx?

Answer 2

The base of the skull, from the pharnygobasila fascia, for about 12cm to C6 level.

Question 3

What are the pharynx and oesophagus in contact with posteriorly? What does this allow?

Answer 3

The prevertebral fascia. This allow sliding to take place but also provides a track for infection down to the mediastinum.

Question 4

What are the layers of the pharynx?

Answer 4

Mucous membrane
Submucous layer
Muscular layer
Buccopharyngeal fascia

Question 5

List the muscles that contribute to the muscular layer of the pharynx

Answer 5

Superior, middle and inferior constrictors.

Supplemented with stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, and salpingopharyngeus

Question 6

Describe the muscles of the pharynx

Answer 6

Surprisingly thin, consisting of telescoping layers.

Question 7

What fascia is associated with the pharynx and how? What role does it play?

Answer 7

The pharyngobasilar fascia is a submucosal thickening telescoping into the other layers, that stiffens the nasopharynx.

Question 8

What is the outer border of the pharynx coated in? How else is this known?

Answer 8

Epimysium/bucopharyngeal fascia

Question 9

What are the attachments of the pharynx?

Answer 9

A midline raphe extends fromt eh base of the skull, and is the base for the muscles which arch forwards attaching to the auditory canal and posterior border of the medial pterygoid plate.