Nasopharynx and interior of the oropharynx (dave's notes)

Question 1

What marks the upper and lower margins of the nasopharynx?

Answer 1

From the base of the skull to the lower border of the soft palate

Question 2

What prevents the nasophrynx from collapsing?

Answer 2

The pharyngobasilar fascia

Question 3

How does the upper part of the nasopharynx communicate with the nose?

Answer 3

Through the choanae

Question 4

Where is the pharyngeal tonsil located? How else may this be known?

Answer 4

Sits high up on the posterior wall at the level of the basiocciput. = adenoids if enlarged.

Question 5

what other anatomical features of note are found in the nasopharynx?

Answer 5

The pharyngeal recess and auditory openings

Question 6

Where is the pharyngeal recess located?

Answer 6

A vertical slit behind the openings of the auditory tubes

Question 7

Where does the oropharynx start and finish?

Answer 7

From the lower part of the soft palate to the upper fodder of the epiglottis

Question 8

What marks the posterior aspect of the oropharynx?

Answer 8

The three constrictors

Question 9

What is found at the lateral margins of the oropharynx?

Answer 9

The palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches. The palatine tonsils lie between.

Question 10

Where is the palatine tonsil found?

Answer 10

Lying between the palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches, lying on the lower part of the superior constrictor.

Question 11

Describe the surface of the palatine tonsil

Answer 11

??AP borders
??upper lower poles?
surface crypts
lateral surface forms a capsule from an extension of the pharyngobasilar facia

Question 12

What is the blood supply to the palatine tonsil? Via what course does it reach the palatine tonsil?

Answer 12

The tonsillar branch of the facial artery. Reaches the palatine tonsil by arching over styloglossus and periling the superior constrictor.

Question 13

Describe the venous drainage of the palatine tonsil. What is the clinical significance of this?

Answer 13

To the pharyngeal plexus (pharyngeal/external palatine vein is particularly large and is the usual cause for haemorrhage

Question 14

What is the lymphatic drainage of the palatine tonsil?

Answer 14

To the deep cervical group mostly to the jugulodigastric nodes

Question 15

What is the nerve supply to the mucosa overlying the palatine tonsil?

Answer 15

The tonsillar branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve

Question 16

What marks the interior part of the laryngeal part of the pharynx?

Answer 16

From the upper fodder of the epiglottis to the cricoid cartilage (C6). Becomes continuous with the oesophagus