THE NECK: PHARYNX

What is the common clinical or lay term for the Pharynx?

THROAT

What is the primary function of the Pharynx in body systems?

Common passageway of respiratory & digestive systems

Into what three anatomical portions is the Pharynx divided?

Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, and Laryngopharynx

What anatomical structures are contained within the Nasopharynx?

Opening of auditory tube and pharyngeal tonsils

What anatomical structures are contained within the Oropharynx?

Palatine and lingual tonsils

Where does the Laryngopharynx open into inferiorly?

Larynx and esophagus

Where is the Pharynx situated relative to other head and neck cavities?

Situated behind the nasal cavities, mouth, and larynx

What is the overall shape and structural transition of the Pharynx from superior to inferior?

Funnel shaped - upper wider end lying under the skull and its lower, narrow end becoming continuous with the esophagus opposite the 6th cervical vertebra

Which aspect of the musculomembranous wall of the Pharynx is deficient?

Deficient ANTERIORLY

Which anatomical openings present in the Pharynx?

Auditory tubes, two posterior nares, larynx, and esophagus

Which tonsillar structures are contained within the Pharynx?

Pharyngeal tonsils, palatine tonsils, lingual tonsils, and tubal tonsils

How many total cavities does the Pharynx communicate with?

A total of seven cavities (two nasal cavities, two tympanic cavities, mouth, larynx, and esophagus)

What is the action of the Stylopharyngeus muscle?

Elevation of the pharynx

What is the action of the Salpingopharyngeus muscle?

Elevation of the pharynx

What are the actions of the Palatopharyngeus muscle?

Elevation of the pharynx and closure of the oropharyngeal isthmus

What is the action of the Superior constrictor muscle?

Constriction of pharynx

What is the action of the Middle constrictor muscle?

Constriction of pharynx

What is the action of the Inferior constrictor muscle?

Constriction of pharynx

Which nerve innervates ALL pharyngeal muscles EXCEPT the Stylopharyngeus?

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Which nerve innervates the Stylopharyngeus muscle?

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

What nerve fibers form the afferent limb of the Gag Reflex supplying the upper pharynx?

Pharyngeal branch of Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

What nerve fibers form the afferent limb of the Gag Reflex supplying the lower pharynx and larynx?

Vagus nerve (CN X)

What nerve forms the efferent limb of the Gag Reflex?

Pharyngeal branch of Vagus nerve (CN X)

Which nerve supplies sensory innervation to the Nasal Pharynx?

Maxillary nerve (V2)

Which nerve supplies sensory innervation to the Oral Pharynx?

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Which nerve supplies sensory innervation to the Laryngeal Pharynx?

Internal Laryngeal nerve of the Vagus nerve (CN X)

Which arteries supply blood to the pharynx?

Ascending pharyngeal, tonsillar branches of facial, branches of maxillary and lingual arteries

What are the primary lymph nodes receiving lymph drainage from the pharynx?

Deep cervical lymph nodes (directly, or indirectly via retropharyngeal or paratracheal nodes)

What is the afferent (sensory) limb of the Pupillary Light Reflex?

CN II (Optic nerve)

What is the efferent (motor) limb of the Pupillary Light Reflex?

CN III (Oculomotor nerve)

What is the afferent (sensory) limb of the Corneal Reflex?

CN V (Trigeminal nerve)

What is the efferent (motor) limb of the Corneal Reflex?

CN VII (Facial nerve)

What is the afferent (sensory) limb of the Gag Reflex?

CN IX (Glossopharyngeal nerve)

What is the efferent (motor) limb of the Gag Reflex?

CN X (Vagus nerve)

What nerve in the lateral wall of the tonsillar fossa is at risk of injury during a Palatine Tonsillectomy?

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

What clinical deficits result from Glossopharyngeal nerve injury during a tonsillectomy?

Loss of general and taste sensations on the posterior 1/3 of the tongue and loss of the gag reflex on the side of the lesion

What major complication can occur during or after a palatine tonsillectomy due to rich arterial supply?

Severe hemorrhage

A 14-year-old boy presenting with enlarged lymphoid tissue located between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches has inflammation of which tissue?

Palatine tonsil

What is Waldeyer's Ring of Lymphoid Tissue?

An interrupted ring of protective lymphoid tissue surrounding the opening into the respiratory and digestive systems

Which tonsils form the LATERAL components of Waldeyer's Ring?

Palatine and Tubal tonsils

Which tonsil forms the UPPER component of Waldeyer's Ring?

Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid)

Which tonsil forms the LOWER component of Waldeyer's Ring?

Lingual tonsil

Where is the Tubal Tonsil located?

Around openings of the auditory tube in the nasopharynx (torus tubarius)

Where is the Pharyngeal Tonsil (adenoid) located?

Upper midline in the nasopharynx

Where is the Palatine Tonsil located?

Either side of oropharynx between palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches

Where is the Lingual Tonsil located?

Under mucosa of posterior third of tongue

What type of epithelium and glands line the Oropharynx histologically?

Stratified squamous epithelium with mucous glands

What type of epithelium and glands line the Nasopharynx histologically?

Respiratory epithelium with mixed glands

Which tonsil is located within the mucosa of the Nasopharynx?

Medial pharyngeal tonsil