Introduction
The pharynx is a chamber connecting the oral cavity, nasal cavity, oesophagus and larynx. The pharynx is divided into the nasal pharynx, oral pharynx and oesophageal/laryngeal pharynx which all have different functions, innervation and develope differently.
The oropharynx is the oral section of the pharynx.
Functional Anatomy
- Last molar rostrally
- Epiglottis caudally
- Tongue ventrally
- Soft palate dorsally
- Endoderm
- Innervated by glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- Divided by glossopalatine arch from oesophageal pharynx
Musculature
Constrictors
- Hyopharyngeus
- Thyropharyngeus
- Cricopharyngeus
Dilators
- Stylopharyngeus
Shorten
- Pterygopharyngeus
Close Pharyngeal Arch
- Palatopharyngeus
Innervation
- Muscles from pharyngeal arch 4 innervated by vagus nerve (CN X)
- Stylopharyngeus from pharyngeal arch 3 innervated by glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Histology
- Stratified squamous epithelium
- Keratinised in ruminants