{"id":2131,"date":"2020-09-08T12:43:56","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T10:43:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/pre-clinical\/anatomy\/head-and-neck\/head\/pharynx\/"},"modified":"2021-10-09T13:15:51","modified_gmt":"2021-10-09T11:15:51","slug":"pharynx","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/pre-clinical\/anatomy\/skull-head-and-neck\/neck\/pharynx\/","title":{"rendered":"Pharynx"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"intro\">The pharynx is a funnel-shaped tube found in the midline of the neck, connecting the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus.<\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/pharynx_anatomy.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Pharynx\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/pharynx_anatomy-600x501.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16473\"\/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Figure 1. Pharynx and related structures&nbsp;<\/strong>(Credit: OpenStax, CC BY 4.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_1\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title1\">Description<\/h2>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_1\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pharynx is a muscular tube lined by mucosa shared by the respiratory and digestive systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It spans from the level of the base of the cranium to the level of the C6 vertebra, terminating in the laryngeal inlet and the esophagus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_2\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Parts<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_2\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pharynx can be divided into three parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Nasopharynx<\/li><li>Oropharynx<\/li><li>Laryngopharynx<\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/pharynx_parts.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Pharynx\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/pharynx_parts-600x459.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16472\"\/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Figure 2. Divisions of the pharynx<\/strong>&nbsp;(Credit: OpenStax, CC BY 4.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_3\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Nasopharynx<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_3\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nasopharynx spans between the body of the sphenoid bone to the soft palate, connecting the nasal cavity to the pharynx.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_4\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title3\">Landmarks<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_4\">\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The&nbsp;<strong>pharyngeal tonsil<\/strong>&nbsp;(also known as the&nbsp;<strong>adenoid<\/strong>) is a single mass of lymphoid tissue centrally embedded within the mucosa of the roof of the nasopharynx.<\/li><li>The&nbsp;<strong>torus tubarius&nbsp;<\/strong>is an elevation formed by the cartilaginous&nbsp;part of the&nbsp;<strong>auditory tube<\/strong>; it is a paired structure located on the lateral walls of the nasopharynx, just inferior to the pharyngeal tonsil<ul><li>The auditory tube (also known as the&nbsp;<strong>Eustachian<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>pharyngotympanic tube<\/strong>) connects between the middle ear and the nasopharynx, allowing for the equalization of pressure and passage of fluid from<strong> <\/strong>the middle ear, which is virtually sealed without it.<\/li><li>The opening of each tube is encircled by lymphatic tissue known as the&nbsp;<strong>tubal tonsil<\/strong>. These tonsils, together with the pharyngeal tonsil are a part of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/pre-clinical\/anatomy\/head-and-neck\/neurovasculature\/tonsils-waldeyers-tonsillary-ring\/\">Waldeyer&#8217;s tonsillar ring<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>The <strong>pharyngeal recess<\/strong> is found posterior to the torus tubarius.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/anatomy_nasopharynx.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Pharynx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/anatomy_nasopharynx-600x457.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16476\"\/><\/a><figcaption><strong>Figure 3. The nasal cavity and the nasopharynx<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_5\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Oropharynx<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_5\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The oropharynx spans between the soft palate to the epiglottis and pharyngoepiglottic fold,&nbsp;bounded laterally and anteriorly by the palatopharyngeal arches.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_6\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title3\">Contents<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_6\">\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Soft palate<\/li><li>Base of the tongue<\/li><li>Tonsils and pharyngeal bands<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_7\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title2\">Laryngopharynx<\/h3>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_7\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The laryngopharynx spans between the lower edge of the epiglottis to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The laryngopharynx is found anterior to C4-C6 vertebral bodies, and posterior to the larynx, the two communicating through the <strong>laryngeal inlet<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Normally (when not swallowing), the laryngeal inlet is open, allowing access to the larynx; when swallowing, however, the epiglottis folds forwards, covering the laryngeal inlet, and the only passage allowed is down the esophagus.<\/li><li>The top of the laryngopharynx is the <strong>widest part<\/strong> of the pharynx (opposite to the hyoid bone), while the terminal end of the pharynx is the <strong>narrowest part<\/strong> of it (as it becomes continuous with the esophagus).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_8\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title3\">Landmarks<\/h4>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_8\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>aryepiglottic folds <\/strong>mark the lower margins of the laryngeal inlet, separating it from the <strong>piriform fossae<\/strong>, which are paired depressions found to the sides of the lower end of the laryngeal inlet.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><span class=\"block-heading\" id=\"header_9\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"title_collection title1\">Muscles<\/h2>\n<\/span><span class=\"block-content\" id=\"contents_9\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Please view the <a href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/pre-clinical\/anatomy\/head-and-neck\/neck\/pharynx\/muscles-of-the-pharynx\/\">muscles of the pharynx<\/a> article for complete information regarding this section.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The walls of the pharynx consist of <strong>inner <\/strong>(longitudinal) and <strong>outer <\/strong>(circular) <strong>muscular layers<\/strong>. They are responsible for maintaining the airways and the propulsion of food and liquid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>inner muscular layer<\/strong> is formed by the <strong>pharyngeal elevator muscles<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Palatopharyngeus<\/li><li>Stylopharyngeus<\/li><li>Salpingopharyngeus<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These inner muscles are responsible for the elevation of the pharynx during swallowing, essentially helping shorten it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>outer muscular layer<\/strong> is formed by the <strong>pharyngeal constrictor muscles<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Superior pharyngeal constrictor<\/li><li>Middle pharyngeal constrictor<\/li><li>Inferior pharyngeal constrictor<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These outer muscles surround the pharynx posteriorly and laterally, and they are oriented circularly around the pharynx. <\/p>\n<\/span><div id=\"the_titles\" style=\"display:none;\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Description<\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parts<\/h3><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nasopharynx<\/h3><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Landmarks<\/h4><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oropharynx<\/h3><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h4><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laryngopharynx<\/h3><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Landmarks<\/h4><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muscles<\/h2><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Description The pharynx is a muscular tube lined by mucosa shared by the respiratory and digestive systems. It spans from the level of the base of the cranium to the level of the C6 vertebra, terminating in the laryngeal inlet and the esophagus. Parts The pharynx can be divided into three parts: Nasopharynx Oropharynx Laryngopharynx [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1163,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2131","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Pharynx &#8211; Meddists<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/meddists.com\/learn\/pre-clinical\/anatomy\/skull-head-and-neck\/neck\/pharynx\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/meddists.com\\\/learn\\\/pre-clinical\\\/anatomy\\\/skull-head-and-neck\\\/neck\\\/pharynx\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/meddists.com\\\/learn\\\/pre-clinical\\\/anatomy\\\/skull-head-and-neck\\\/neck\\\/pharynx\\\/\",\"name\":\"Pharynx &#8211; 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