It is often caused by bacteria, namely Haemophilus influenza, and can result in airway obstruction. The epiglottis is a cartilaginous structure that sits anterior to the laryngeal inlet and closes the inlet to prevent aspiration of liquids or solids on swallowing.Įpiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that results in inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis and neighbouring structures. It is a common site of capture following foreign body ingestion. Its function is to prevent saliva and debris from entering the laryngeal inlet. The vallecula is the groove at the base of the tongue just anterior to the epiglottis. As a sub-unit of the oropharynx, it is an important site to consider with symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer. The base of the tongue can be the site of neoplasia. It houses the lingual tonsil, which forms part of Waldeyer’s ring, which can be subject to hypertrophy or infection. The base of the tongue can be the site of neoplasia and infection. Unlike the other sub-sections of the pharynx, it is more exposed and therefore pathology can be more readily visualised. The oropharynx is a common site of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. The nasopharynx is sealed, and the tongue base applies pressure on the epiglottis to close the laryngeal inlet, which allows the food bolus to be delivered to the oesophagus in a safe manner. On swallowing, the food bolus is delivered to the oropharynx, where, on contact with the palatoglossal arches, results in a coordinated complex movement. The oropharynx has two main functions: aiding swallowing and breathing. This means often oropharyngeal pathology may result in ipsilateral referred otalgia. The oropharynx is partly innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) which has connections with the middle ear via Jacobson’s nerve. The oropharynx is largely bound by the middle constrictor. It contains many important structures including the base of the tongue, valleculae, epiglottis, palatine tonsils, tonsillar pillars, and uvula. The oropharynx continues inferiorly from the soft palate to the vallecula, at the base of the epiglottis. In adults, obstruction of the eustachian tube may be caused by nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In children, adenoid hypertrophy is the most common cause of eustachian tube obstruction and subsequent middle ear effusions. The distal opening of the eustachian tube opens into the nasopharynx.īlockage of the eustachian tube can result in middle ear effusions and infections. It works to drain, regulate the pressure, and oxygenate the middle ear. The eustachian tube extends downwards and forwards from the middle ear along the medial pterygoid plate to the nasopharynx. This removes the obstruction but there remains a small risk of regrowth of the lymphoid tissue and recurrence of symptoms. Management involves an adenoidectomy, where the excess tissue is scraped, cauterised or dissolved away. Children affected by this often experience symptoms of mouth breathing, snoring, apnoeic episodes, nasal discharge, ear pain and reduced hearing. This is the most common cause of nasal obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing in children. They are part of Waldeyer’s ring of lymphoid tissue and reach their largest size at 6-10 years of age, after which they typically get smaller. The pharyngeal tonsils, or adenoids, are located in the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx. There are two main structures that are commonly affected within the nasopharynx, the pharyngeal tonsil and the eustachian tube openings. The nasopharynx is subject to diseases of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic nature. Additionally, on swallowing the soft palate blocks the nasopharynx to prevent regurgitation of fluids and food upwards. The musculature also aids in maintaining equilibrium and ventilation to the middle ear by opening and closing the eustachian tubes. The function of the nasopharynx is to transmit air to the laryngeal inlet to aid breathing and speaking. The nasopharynx is bound by the superior constrictor muscle. It is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle superiorly and mostly sits at the back of the nose, extending from the nasal cavity to the top of the soft palate. The nasopharynx is the superior aspect of the pharynx. Want discounted access to all Geeky Medics products, including our anatomy flashcard collection? Check out our bundles to save money and supercharge your learning □ Nasopharynx Anatomy
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