Anatomy of the Pharynx

Question 1

List some causes of neck lumps

Answer 1

Lymphadenopathy, thyroid goitre, thryroglossal cyst, tumour

Question 2

Describe the anatomy of the thyroid gland

Answer 2

Butterfly shape - two lobes connected by central isthmus
Wraps around cricoid cartilage, located above tracheal rings 2/3, C5-T1 vertebrae
Behind sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles
Arteries - superior and inferior thyroid
Veins - superior, middle, interior thyroid veins (S/M –> ICA, I –> brachiocephalic
Nerves - innervated by sympathetic
Release of hormones regulated by pituitary gland

Question 3

List the muscles of the pharynx

Answer 3

Superior, middle, inferior constrictor

Open anteriorly, attach posteriorly by median raphe