Pharynx, tongue, palate - Topic 5 Flashcards
(172 cards)
How many regions does the pharynx have, and what are they called?
- The nasopharynx, the oropharynx and the laryngopharynx.
What is the region posterior to the nasal cavity called?
The nasopharynx
How is the nasopharynx used by the respiratory system?
To transmit air between the nasal cavity and the oropharynx.
What are the two holes through which air passes from the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx?
The nasal choanae.
Adenoids are also called…?
pharyngeal tonsils.
Where are the Adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils)?
Embedded in the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx.
What is the auditory tube also called?
The pharyngotympanic tube.
Where is the pharyngotypmpanic tube and what does it do?
In the wall of the nasopharynx. It connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear and controls its opening to equalise air pressue in the middle ear. (Our ears ‘pop’).
Which part of the pharynx is especially important in swallowing?
The oropharynx.
Which part/s of the pharynx is/are shared by the respiratory and digestive systems?
The oropharynx and the laryngopharynx.
Where is the oropharynx located?
Between the soft palate and the base of the tongue.
Which structure is the point at which the oral cavity opens into the oropharynx?
The posterior faucial pillars.
What are the palatopharyngeal arches also known as?
The posterior faucial pillars.
Is the nasopharynx shared between the respiratory and digestive systems?
No, it is part of the respiratory system only.
Name the most inferior region of the pharynx.
The laryngopharynx.
Name the superior opening of the larynx.
The aditus.
What runs from the base of the tongue to the oesophagus, posterior to the aditus (superior opening of the larynx)?
The laryngopharynx.
From the laryngopharynx, air passes into the larynx while food passes into the oesophagus. Which of the cartilages of the larynx directs food and air into these different tubes?
The epiglottis.
What is attached to the base of the tongue?
The epiglottis.
When we swallow the tongue pushes ______, forcing the epiglottis ______ which causes the epiglottis to cover the ______.
- The tongue pushes superiorly.
- Forcing the epiglottis posteriorly.
- The epiglottis covers the larynx.
When the epiglottis covers the larynx, swallowed substances are forced to pass only into the _____.
Oesophagus.
The walls of the pharynx are almost entirely composed of what?
Muscle.
How long is the pharynx?
about 12cm
Does the pharyx move a lot?
Yes, it is highly mobile and made mostly of muscles.