Pharynx and Esophagus

Pharynx

• Posterior to nasal cavity and oral cavity

• Extends past the larynx

Buccopharyngeal, Muscular, Mucous membrane

What are the 3 layers of the pharynx?

Buccopharyngeal layer

Layer of the pharynx

• Most external

• Covers pharynx

• Continuous with pretracheal fascia

Muscular layer

Layer of the pharynx

• Outer circular

• Inner longitudinal

Mucous membrane layer

Layer of the pharynx

• Submucosa contributes to pharyngobasilar fascia

• Posterior portion lies against the prevertebral layer of deep cervical fascia

Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Laryngopharynx

What are the 3 regions of the pharynx?

Nasopharynx

Region of the pharynx

• Posterior of the nose and inferior to soft palate

Oropharynx

Region of the pharynx

• Posterior of the mouth

Laryngopharynx

Region of the pharynx

• Posterior of the larynx

Lateral wall of nasopharynx

Opening of the pharyngotympanic tube

Superior: Torus tubarius

Inferior: Ridge of levator veli palatine

Salpingopharyngeus muscle

• Raises the pharynx during swallowing

• Opens the orifice of the pharyngotympanic tube

  • Equalizes pressure in pharynx

Choanae

Two openings found at the back of the nasal passage between the nasal cavity and the pharynx

Soft palate, base of the tongue, palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches

Boundaries of the oropharynx

Oropharynx

Extends from the superior border of the soft palate to the superior border of the epiglottis

Epiglottic valleculae

Depression that temporarily stores saliva to avoid triggering swallowing reflex

Pharyngeal lymphatic ring

The Waldeyer Ring is also known as the (?)

Waldeyer Ring

An aggregate of lymphatic tissue around the pharynx which includes palatine, lingual, pharyngeal, and tubal tonsils

Piriform fossa

Contains the branches of the internal laryngeal and recurrent laryngeal nerves

Pharyngeal constrictor muscles (Superior, Middle, Inferior)

External circular muscles that contract in sequence during swallowing to constrict the pharynx

Pterygomandibular raphe

Origin of the superior pharyngeal constrictor

Stylohyoid ligament; lesser and greater horns of hyoid

Origin of middle pharyngeal constrictor

Oblique line of thyroid cartilage and side of cricoid

Origin of inferior pharyngeal constrictor

Pharyngeal raphe

Common insertion of the constrictor muscles

Pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve

Innervation of laryngopharynx muscles

Vagus, glossopharyngeal, sympathetic nerves

Pharyngeal plexus

Palatopharyngeus, Stylopharyngeus, Salpingopharyngeus

Internal longitudinal muscles of the laryngopharynx that elevate larynx and shorten pharynx during swallowing and speaking

Hard palate and palatine aponeurosis

Origin of palatopharyngeus muscle

Thyroid cartilage and pharyngeal wall

Insertion of palatopharyngeus muscle

Styloid process

Origin of stylopharyngeus muscle

Thyroid cartilage

Insertion of stylopharyngeus muscle

Pharyngotympanic tube

Origin of salpingopharyngeus muscle

Thyroid cartilage and pharyngeal wall

Insertion of salpingopharyngeus muscle

Pharyngeal branch of Vagus nerve and pharyngeal plexus

Innervation of palatopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus muscle

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Innervation of stylopharyngeus muscle

Esophagus

• Connects the pharynx to the stomach

• Continuous with laryngopharynx

Sphincters

circular muscles that open and close passages in the body to regulate the flow of substances

Pharyngoesophageal junction

Consists of:

• Superior esophageal sphincter

• Narrowest part of esophagus

Superior mediastinum

Contacts with the cervical pleura at the root of the neck

Branches of inferior thyroid artery, tributaries of inferior thyroid vein

Vasculature of the esophagus

Upper half

Innervation of the esophagus

• Somatic motor

• Sensory fibers

Lower half

Innervation of the esophagus

• Parasympathetic

• Sympathetic

• Visceral sensory fibers

Torus tubarius

Superior part of the opening of the pharyngotympanic tube

Ridge of levator veli palatine

Inferior part of the opening of the pharyngotympanic tube