Larynx, Pharynx

nasopharynx location

posterior to choanae, superior to palate

nasopharynx function

respiratory

oropharynx location

posterior to fauces, superior to epiglottis

oropharynx function

digestive or respiratory

laryngopharynx location

posterior to larynx

laryngopharynx function

digestive or respiratory (not at the same time)

features of nasopharynx

pharyngeal tonsil, torus tubaris, salpingopharyngeal fold, opening of auditory tube

auditory tube

connects middle ear with pharynx

features of oropharynx

palatopharyngeal fold, palatine tonsil, lingual tonsils

tonsils are

collections of lymph tissue, part of immune system

when tonsils are enlarged

adenoid

sensory innervation to the pharynx

CN IX, glossopharyngeal

motor innervation to the pharynx

CN X (important for swallowing)

external layer of pharynx muscles act to

constrict walls of pharynx during swallowing

internal layer of pharynx muscles act to

elevate pharynx and larynx during swallowing and speaking

general sensation of gag reflex

CN IX, glossopharyngeal

motor response of gag reflex

CN X, vagus

larynx functions

separate respiratory vs alimentary pathway, provides patient air, produces voice

most superior part of larynx

laryngeal vestibule

following the laryngeal vestibule is the

vestibule fold

inferior to the vestibule fold is

laryngeal ventricle

inferior to laryngeal ventricle is

vocal fold

vocal fold is where

vocal chord is

sensory and motor innervation of the larynx is supplied by

CN X, vagus nerve

cricoid cartilage is reponsible for

maintaining an open airway

superior laryngeal blood supply

external carotid to superior thyroid to superior laryngeal

inferior laryngeal blood supply

subcalvian to thyrocervical trunk to inferior thyroid to inferior laryngeal