pharynx

Question 1

why is C6 a major landmark in neck

Answer 1

Lower limit of pharynx
Start of oesophagus
Lower limit of larynx
Start of trachea

Question 2

where does pharynx end

Answer 2

inferior border of cricoid cartilage (vertebral level C6)

Question 3

name the 4 layers of the pharyngeal wall

Answer 3

1. buccopharyngeal fascia
2. pharyngobasilar fascia
3. muscular layer
4. mucous membrane

Question 4

what is the function of the Buccopharyngeal fascia

Answer 4

covers buccinator muscle

Question 5

what is the role of the pharyngobasilar fascia

Answer 5

supports the pharyngeal mucosa

Question 6

name the subdivisions of the pharynx

Answer 6

nasopharynx (behind nasal cavity)
oropharynx (behind oral cavity)
laryngopharynx/hypopharynx (behind larynx)

Question 7

what is the function of the nasopharynx

Answer 7

connects nose to respiratory system

Question 8

what is in the nasopharynx

Answer 8

eustachian tube and nasopharyngeal tonsil (adenoid)

Question 9

what is the nasopharyngeal tonsil

Answer 9

a collection of lymphoid tissue within the mucosa of the roof of the nasopharynx

Question 10

what is in the oropharynx

Answer 10

Oropharyngeal isthmus/fauces/isthmus of fauces, epiglottic valleculae and palatine tonsil

Question 11

what is the Oropharyngeal isthmus

Answer 11

the opening between the oral cavity and pharynx – it’s margin is the palatoglossal fold

Question 12

where is the palatine tonsil

Answer 12

between palatoglossal fold and palatopharyngeal fold

Question 13

what is the function of the epiglottis valleculae

Answer 13

Collects saliva and prevent the swallowing reflex while a person is supine during sleep

These depressions serve as “spit traps”; saliva is temporarily held in the valleculae to prevent initiation of the swallowing reflex.

Question 14

what is the epiglottic valleculae

Answer 14

paired small mucosa-lined depressions located at the base/just between the root of the tongue and epiglottis and separated by the medial glosso-epiglottic folds.

Question 15

what is in the hypopharynx

Answer 15

piriform sinuses and laryngeal inlet/aditus

Question 16

what are the piriform sinuses

Answer 16

two pear-shaped recesses located on either side of the laryngeal opening, play role in speech

Question 17

what is the laryngeal inlet

Answer 17

entrance from pharynx to cavity of larynx

Question 18

what is laryngopharyngeal reflux

Answer 18

caused by acid reflux beyond your esophagus, causing irritation of throat and sinuses and voice disturbance.

Question 19

name the 3 constrictor muscles of the pharynx

Answer 19

superior, middle nd inferior constrictor

Question 20

name the 3 longitundinal muscles of the pharynx

Answer 20

Salpingopharyngeus, Palatopharyngeus, Stylopharyngeus

Question 21

what is the pharyngeal raphe

Answer 21

a fibrous structure from pharyngeal tubercle to lower end of pharynx

Question 22

what is the function of the superior constrictor muscle

Answer 22

constricts the upper part of the pharynx, which facilitates swallowing by pushing the bolus inferiorly, into the oesophagus and stomach.

Question 23

where do the constrictor muscles in the phaynx insert

Answer 23

pharyngeal raphe

Question 24

what is the function of the constrictor muscles

Answer 24

They contract sequentially from superior to inferior to constrict the pharyngeal lumen

Question 25

name the two parts of the inferior constrictor muscle

Answer 25

thyropharyngeusand cricopharyngeus

Question 26

what is the function of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle

Answer 26

To prevent the reflux of foods from the oesophagus into the throat, the cricopharyngeus is usually shut tight. When a person swallows, it relaxes and allows food to pass.

Question 27

where does the superior constrictor muscle attach

Answer 27

Pterygomandibular raphe

Question 28

where does the middle constrictor muscle attach

Answer 28

Greater cornu of hyoid bone Lesser cornu of hyoid bone Stylohyoid ligament

Question 29

where does the inferior constrictor muscle attach

Answer 29

Oblique line of thyroid cartilage Tendinous arch over cricothyroid muscle Cricoid cartilage

Question 30

what is the function of the longitudinal muscles of the pharynx

Answer 30

elevate the pharynx and larynx during swallowing

Question 31

what is the stylopharyngeus muscle innervated by

Answer 31

glossopharyngeal nerve

Question 32

what motor nerve innervates the pharynx

Answer 32

the vagus nerve

Question 33

what nerve is the nasopharynx innervated by

Answer 33

maxillary nerve

Question 34

what nerve innervates the oropharynx

Answer 34

glossopharyngeal nerve

Question 35

what innervates the hypopharynx

Answer 35

vagus nerve

Question 36

Pharyngeal diverticulum or pouches occur in an areas of weakness between which muscles

Answer 36

Thyropharyngeus and Cricopharyngeus

Question 37

which nerve is involved in the sensory arc of the gag reflex

Answer 37

glossopharyngeal

Question 38

what nerves are part of the pharyngeal plexus

Answer 38

pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve, branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve and branches of sympathetic trunk

Question 39

what muscle closes the ostium of the auditory tube when swallowing

Answer 39

salpingopharyngeus

Question 40

what are all the muscles in the pharynx innervated by (except the stylopharyngeus)

Answer 40

the pharyngeal plexus and pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve