What is the pharynx and what is its main function?

The pharynx is a funnel-shaped fibromuscular tube that extends from the base of the skull to the esophagus. It serves as a common passage for both air and food, lined with mucous membrane throughout.

What are the three subdivisions of the pharynx?

The pharynx is divided into three parts: Nasopharynx (behind the nasal cavity), Oropharynx (behind the oral cavity), and Laryngopharynx (behind the larynx).

What muscles are involved in swallowing (deglutition) in the pharynx?

Swallowing involves constrictor muscles (superior, middle, inferior) that propel food, and longitudinal muscles (e.g., stylopharyngeus) that elevate the larynx and shorten the pharynx.

What nerves provide sensory and motor supply to the pharynx?

Motor supply: All pharyngeal muscles via the accessory nerve (via vagus), except stylopharyngeus (glossopharyngeal nerve). Sensory supply: Nasopharynx (maxillary nerve), Oropharynx (glossopharyngeal nerve), Laryngopharynx (internal laryngeal nerve).

What is Waldeyer's Ring and why is it clinically important?

Waldeyer's Ring is a ring of lymphoid tissue that guards the entrance of air and food passages. It includes the pharyngeal, palatine, tubal, and lingual tonsils, playing a key role in immune defense.

What are the key anatomical spaces related to the pharynx?

Two important spaces are: Retropharyngeal space (behind the pharynx, extending from the skull base to the tracheal bifurcation) and Parapharyngeal space (lateral to the pharynx, containing carotid sheath structures and cranial nerves).

What is Zenker's diverticulum and where does it occur?

Zenker's diverticulum is a pharyngeal pouch that herniates through Killian's dehiscence, a weak spot between the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus muscles in the inferior constrictor region.

Pharynx – Nasopharynx, Oropharynx & Laryngopharynx

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