Anatomy of the pharynx Flashcards
(30 cards)
What vertebral levels does the pharynx extend to and from?
The pharynx extends from the base of the skull and continues to C6, where it becomes continuous with the esophagus.
Where is the nasopharynx located?
Posterior to the nasal cavaties.
Where is the oropharynx located?
Posterior to the oral cavity.
Where is the laryngopharynx located?
Posterior to the larynx.
What is the salpingopharyngeal fold?
A fold of mucosa overlying the salpingopharyngeus.
What is the levator pad?
A fold of mucosa overlying the levator veli palatini muscle.
What two structures does the auditory tube connect?
The middle ear and the nasopharynx.
What is the only pharyngeal muscle not innervated by the vagus nerve?
The stylopharyngeous. It is instead derived from pharyngeal arch 3 and therefore innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
What is the attachment of the superior constrictor?
The base of the skull and pharyngeal raphe.
What is the innervation of the superior constrictor?
Vagus nerve via the pharyngeal plexus.
What is the function of the superior constrictor?
Assists with closing the nasopharynx during swallowing.
What is the attachment of the middle constrictor?
The hyoid bone and pharyngeal raphe.
What is the innervation of the middle constrictor?
Vagus nerve via the pharyngeal plexus.
What is the function of the middle constrictor?
Forces bolus of food down pharynx during swallowing.
What is the attachment of the inferior constrictor?
The thyroid and cricoid cartilages (and the pharyngeal raphe).
What is the innervation of the inferior constrictor?
Vagus via the pharyngeal plexus (from external laryngeal and pharyngeal branches).
What is the function of the inferior constrictor?
Forces the bolus of food down the pharynx during swallowing.
What is the origin and insertion of the stylopharyngeus?
It originates on the styloid process and inserts on the thyroid cartilage.
What is the function of the stylopharyngeus?
Elevates the pharynx to receive the bolus of food during swallowing.
What is the innervation of the stylopharyngeus?
Glossopharyngeal nerve.
What is the origin and insertion of the salpingopharyngeus muscle?
It originates on the cartilage of the auditory tube and inserts on the thyroid cartilage.
What is the function of the salpingopharyngeus?
Assists the stylopharyngeus and palatopharyngeus during swallowing.
What is the innervation of the salpingopharyngeus?
Vagus nerve
What is a Zenkers’s diverticulum?
When an out-pouch develops in the area of weakness of the inferior constrictor. Can result in dysphagia, and food can collect in the diverticulum.
