Pharynx

Question 1

Describe the structure and function of the pharynx

Answer 1

Nasopharynx:
Boundaries - superior - skull bone, inferior - soft palate, anterior - posterior chonae, posterior - C1, nasopharyngeal tonsil
Contents - nasopharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), Eustachian tube orifice
Oropharynx:
Boundaries - superior - soft palate, inferior - superior edge of epiglottis, anterior - oral cavity, posterior - C2,3
Contents - palatine tonsils (lymphoid tissue), tonsillar branch of facial artery, pharyngeal plexus, anterior and posterior tonsillar pillars
Laryngopharynx:
Boundaries - superior - superior edge of epiglottis, inferior - inferior edge of cricoid cartilage, anterior - larynx, part of tongue, posterior - C4,5,6

Question 2

Describe the neurovascular supply of the pharynx

Answer 2

Arteries - superior thyroid, ascending pharyngeal, ascending and descending palatine, branches of lingual, facial, maxillary (ECA)
Veins - pharyngeal venous plexus
Nerves - motor - CNS X, IX, XII, VII, sensory - V2, IX, XII

Question 3

Describe the musculature of the pharynx

Answer 3

Superior constrictor 
Middle constrictor
Inferior constrictor
Overlap posteriorly, open anteriorly
Arched posteriorly by median raphe

Question 4

Describe the process of swallowing

Answer 4

Pharyngeal phase:
Closure of nasopharynx, soft palate elevates
Tongue and suprahyoids pull hyoid and larynx up
Superior constrictors contract
Larynx protected by epiglottis, over hanging tongue, vocal cords
Cricopharyngeus relaxes

Question 5

Describe some causes and consequences of some of the common disorders affecting the pharynx

Answer 5

Enlarged adenoids (infection) –> nasal obstruction, Eustachian tube obstruction, treat with adenoidectomy
Recurrent tonsillitis - treat with tonsillectomy
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Acute/chronic otitis media - treat with grommets
Pharyngeal pouch - true diverticulum, incoordination of swallowing, cricopharyngeal spasm

Question 6

List the structures that correspond with the cervical vertebrae

Answer 6

C1 - hard palate
C2 - angle of mandible
C3 - hyoid bone
C4 - upper border of thyroid cartilage
C5 - lower border of thyroid cartilage
C6 - cricoid cartilage

Question 7

List the hyoid muscles of the neck

Answer 7

Suprahyoid - myohyoid, digastric, geniohyoid, stylohyoid

Infrahyoid - thyrohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, sternohyoid

Question 8

Describe the muscles of the vocal cords

Answer 8

Abduction - posterior cricoarytenoid

Adduction - lateral cricoarytenoid