Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology
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Introduction
The pharynx is the chamber connecting the oral cavity, nasal cavity, oesophagus and larynx. The pharynx is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngeal pharynx which all have different functions, innervation and develope differently.
The oropharynx is the oral section of the pharynx.
Structure and Function
- Last molar rostrally
- Epiglottis caudally
- Tongue ventrally
- Soft palate dorsally
- Endoderm
- Innervated by glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- Divided by glossopalatine arch from laryngeal 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)