Pharynx Flashcards
(9 cards)
What helps keep the Pharynx open?
Relaxed skeletal muscle help keep the pharynx open and contraction assist in Deglutition (Swallowing).
Where is the Pharynx located?
A funnel shaped tube about 13cm long,
Starting at the internal nares and extends to the level of the carotid cartilage, the most inferior cartilage of the pharynx.
What is the function of the Pharynx?
It acts as a passage way for food and Air, it also acts as a resinating chamber for speech, the pharynx also houses the tonsils.
What are the 3 Regions the Pharynx can be divided into/
Nasopharynx, Oropharynx and the Laryngopharynx.
What is the Nasopharynx?
The superior portion of the Pharynx, Lies posterior to the nasal cavity and extends to the soft palate.
Through the Internal nares the nasopharynx receives air from the nasal cavity along with dust laden mucus.
It also exchanges small amounts of air with the auditory tubes to help equalize pressure between middle air and the environment.
What is the Oropharynx?
Intermediate portion of the pharynx, extends from the soft palate to the Hyoid bone.
Functions as respiratory and digestive.
What are the function of the Oropharynx?
It has digestive and Respiratory functions, serving as a common passageway for food, air and water.
What is the Laryngopharynx?
Inferior portion of the Pharynx, Begins at the level of the hyoid bone.
At its inferior end it opens into the esophagus posteriorly and the Larynx Anteriorly.
At what point does the Pharynx open into the Larynx and the esophagus?
It splits posteriorly and anteriorly at the Laryngopharynx and begins at the hyoid bone.