ANATOMY OH THE PHARYNX

The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal cavities to the larynx and oesophagus.
It is common to both the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
It begins at the base of the skull and ends inferiorly to the cricoid cartilage (C6). It is comprised
of three parts; the nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx (from superior to inferior).
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the pharynx its structure, neurovascular supply,
and any clinical correlations.
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Muscles
There are two types of muscles that form the walls of the pharynx longitudinal and circular.
Both types are innervated by the vagus nerve, except for the stylopharyngeus, which is
innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Blood supply
Arterial supply is via branches of the external carotid artery: ascending pharyngeal, lingual,
facial and maxillary arteries.
Venous drainage is achieved by the pharyngeal venous plexus, which drains into the internal
jugular vein.
2015-2017 TeachMeAnatomy.com
 Subdivisions of the Pharynx
Nasopharynx
The nasopharynx is found between the base of the skull and the soft palate, it is a
continuation of the nasal cavity. It performs a respiratory function by conditioning inspired air
and propagating it to the larynx.
This part of the pharynx is lined with respiratory epithelium: ciliated pseudo-stratified
columnar epithelium with goblet cells.
The postero-superior nasopharynx contains the adenoid tonsils, which are large between the
ages of 3-8 and then regress.