Pharynx – description, divisions, muscles, syntopy, vascular supply, innervation

The pharynx is the transitional space between the oral cavity and the respiratory and digestive systems. The pharynx is lined by stratified, non-keratinised squamous epithelium. It is divided into three sections: nasophaynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx.

The Pharynx

Nasopharynx[edit | edit source]

Base to C2
Respiratory function
Superior to the soft palate; posterior expansion of the nasal cavity

Oropharynx[edit | edit source]

C2 to C4
Digestive function
Superior to the soft palate; inferior to the tongue
Lateral to it are the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches

Laryngopharynx[edit | edit source]

C4 to C6
Superior border is epiglottis
Inferior border is cricoid cartilage

Blood Supply[edit | edit source]

Arteries[edit | edit source]

Ascending pharyngeal artery , external carotid artery medial group
Ascending palatine artery , from facial artery of external carotid artery
Tonsillar artery ,
Maxillary artery
Lingual artery

Veins[edit | edit source]

Pterygoid venous plexus
Facial vein
Internal Jugular Vein

Innervation[edit | edit source]

Motor and most sensory innervation is done by glossopharyngeal nerve

Muscular Innervation

Stylopharyngeus - glossopharyngeal nerve
All other muscles of the pharynx - pharyngeal plexus

Sensory

Nasopharynx - pharyngeal branch of the maxillary nerve
Oropharynx - glossopharyngeal nerve
Laryngopharynx - vagus nerve

Swallowing Reflex[edit | edit source]

It is the voluntary initiation of swallowing

Reflex closure of the airway
Reflex transport of food bolus down the oesophagus; through the pharynx

Links[edit | edit source]

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

SNELL, Richard S. Clinical Anatomy by Regions. 8th Edition edition. 2004. ISBN 978-0-7817-6404-9.