Covers the pharynx's length, extent and four functions, then its three regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx, each with boundaries, sensory nerve supply, lymphatic drainage and clinical relevance. Also describes the wall layers, the constrictor and elevator muscles with their innervation, blood supply, fascial spaces such as the retropharyngeal and danger spaces, and the stages of swallowing. Clinical points include adenoid hypertrophy, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, peritonsillar abscess and Zenker's diverticulum.
Topic 29 of 52 in the MU Sofia syllabus for ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) (Medicine, Year 4). The free AceMed note covers it in 8 sections, about 890 words (6 min of reading), with 14 flashcards.
In this note
Clinical Anatomy of the Pharynx
Nasopharynx (Epipharynx)
Oropharynx (Mesopharynx)
Laryngopharynx (Hypopharynx)
Pharyngeal Musculature and Innervation
Vascular Supply
Pharyngeal Spaces & Fascial Planes
Swallowing Mechanism (Deglutition)
Clinical Anatomy of the Pharynx
The pharynx (throat) is a musculomembranous tube that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus. It is 12–14 cm long and extends from the base of the skull to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage (vertebral level C6).
It serves as a common pathway for:
Respiration
Deglutition (swallowing)
Phonation
Immune defense
The pharynx is divided into three regions arranged superoinferiorly:
1. Nasopharynx (behind nasal cavity)
2. Oropharynx (behind oral cavity)
3. Laryngopharynx / Hypopharynx (behind larynx)
Walls of the Pharynx — (outside → inside)
1. Outermost Layer — Buccopharyngeal Fascia: Continuation of buccinator fascia
2. Muscular Layer - Consists of circular (constrictors) and longitudinal muscles.
Circular Muscles (3 constrictors): Propel bolus downward during swallowing.supr,middle.infr
Longitudinal Muscles: Elevate pharynx during swallowing & speech.
