L39. Pharynx and Oesophagus Flashcards
Where does the pharynx begin and end?
Base of the skull to the oesophagus (C6).
Name 2 features present in the nasopharynx and the function of the nasopharynx.
Tubal tonsils
Pharyngeal tonsils.
Respiratory function
Give the function of the oropharynx.
Digestive
Name the superior and inferior borders of the oropharynx.
Sup - soft palate
Inf - base of tongue (epiglottis)
Name the 2 fold types in the oropharynx and their location.
Palatoglossal fold is in front of the palatine tonsils.
Palatopharyngeal fold is behind the palatine tonsils.
Name the superior and inferior borders of the laryngopharynx.
Sup - epiglottis
inf - level of the cricoid cartilage
Name and give the location of the 3 pharynx constrictors.
Superior and middle constrictors - above hyoid bone
Inferior constrictor - below hyoid bone
Name the pharynx nerve supply and say whether they provide motor or sensory function.
Motor - Vagus (CN10)
Sensory - Glossopharyngeal (CN9) and pharyngeal plexus
Name 2 common infections in the pharynx region.
Middle ear infection
Tonsillitis
Give the position of the oesophagus relative to the trachea and heart.
Oesophagus is behind the trachea and heart.
How many oesophageal sphincters do we have? Name them.
Upper and lower oesophageal sphincters.
Name the type of cell which makes up the oesophagus, and what it contains.
Stratified squamous non-keratinised epithelium which contains submucosal mucous glands.
Name the 4 layers of the oesophagus and the muscle type in each 1/3.
Mucosa
Submucosa
Muscularis propria
adventitia
Upper 1/3 - skeletal muscle
Middle 1/3 - mixed
Lower 1/3- smooth
What does deglutition mean?
Swallowing
What happens when you swallow?
The soft palate rises and the epiglottis depresses.
