Pharynx - Anatomy & Physiology

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Introduction

The pharynx is part of both the respiratory and digestive system. Both systems have entrances to the pharynx but they are separated from each other by the soft palate.

During exercise or during respiratory distress, the mouth can be used as an additional opening of the respiratory system and then the oropharynx also becomes an air-way.

The pharynx can be split into different regions- the oropharynx, laryngeal pharynx (sometimes referred to as the oesophageal pharynx) and the nasopharynx

Structure and Function

• Opening of the larynx is on the floor of the pharynx

• Caudal and dorsal to the laryngeal opening is the opening into the oesophagus

• In the dorsal region of the nasopharynx there are paired openings into the Auditory (Eustacian) Tubes

• The lining of the middle ear cavity and auditory tube is continuous with that of the nasopharynx

• Located between the base of the skull and the first two cervical vertebrae dorsally

• larynx ventrally

• Mandible, pterygoid muscles and hyoid apparatus laterally

• Walls contain striated muscle

• During swallowing the soft palate is raised which divided the pharynx into dorsal and ventral sections
  • Laterally, two pairs of palatopharyngeal arches are present from the soft palate to the oesophagus
  • The dorsal compartment is the nasopharynx
  • The rostral compartment is the oropharynx

• The laryngeal pharynx is separated from the oropharynx by the epiglottis

• Tonsils are present on the lateral walls of the oropharynx
  • Covered by flaps of mucosa
  • Partially visible in the open mouth

Musculature

Constictors

• Run dorsally to roof of pharynx

• Rostral constrictor muscles are the pterygopharyngeous and the palatopharyngeous muscles
  • Originate from the pyerygoid region of the skull and the aponeurosis of the soft palate
  • Shorten the pharynx

• Middle constictor muscle is the hyopharyngeous
  • Origniates from the hyoid bone

• Caudal constictor muscles are the thyropharyngeous and the cricopharyngeous muscles
  • Originates from the thyroid cartilage of the larynx

Dilators

• Enclose pharynx laterally and dorsally

Shorteners

• Enclose pharynx laterally and dorsally

Species Differences

Canine

• Single duct connects nasopharynx to the nasal cavity

• Tonsils are a compact mass which point away from the lumen of the pharynx

Equine

• Auditory tube opens into the gutteral pouch

• Tonsils are diffuse and raised slightly

Ruminants

• Tonsils are a compact mass which point towards the lumen of the pharynx

Links

Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology

Nasopharynx - Anatomy & Physiology

laryngeal pharynx

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