The structure of the human pharynx. Pharynx. The structure of the pharynx. Muscles of the pharynx. Blood supply and innervation of the pharynx. The act of swallowing What openings open into the pharynx

The pharynx (pharynx) is part of the initial section of the digestive tract and respiratory tract. It is a hollow organ formed by muscles, fascia and lined on the inside with mucous membrane. The pharynx connects the cavities of the nose and mouth with the larynx and esophagus, and through the auditory tubes the pharynx communicates with the middle ear. The pharyngeal cavity is projected vertically onto the bases of the occipital and sphenoid bones, and horizontally onto the bodies of the six cervical vertebrae. There are three sections in the pharynx: the upper one is the nasopharynx, the middle one is the oropharynx and the lower one is the hypopharynx (Fig. 2.1).

Rice. 2.1.

(inside view).

1 - slope of the skull; 2 - cushion of the pharyngeal mouth of the auditory tube; 3 - nasopharyngeal pocket; 4 - stylohyoid muscle; 5 - pharyngeal mouth of the auditory tube; 6 - velum; 7 - posterior palatine arch (velopharyngeal fold), 8 - lingual tonsil; 9 - root of the tongue; 10 - pharyngeal-epiglottic fold; 11 - aryepiglottic fold; 12 - mucous membrane of the esophagus; 13 - trachea; 14- esophagus; 15 - pyriform sinus; lb - fold of the laryngeal nerve; 17 - entrance to the larynx; 18 - laryngopharynx (hypopharynx); 19 - epiglottis; 20 - oropharynx, (mesopharynx); 21 - uvula of the soft palate; 22 - nasopharynx (epipharynx); 23 - tubopharyngeal fold; 24 - opener; 25-vagus nerve; 26 - internal carotid artery; 27 - internal jugular vein; 28 - choanae.

The nasopharynx (nasopharynx, or epipharynx) performs the respiratory function, its walls do not collapse and are motionless. At the top, the vault of the nasopharynx is fixed to the base of the skull, borders on the base of the occipital bone and the anterioinferior part of the sphenoid bone, at the back - with C and C, in front there are two choanae, on the side walls at the level of the posterior ends of the lower nasal conchae there are funnel-shaped pharyngeal openings of the auditory tubes. Above and behind these openings are limited by tubular ridges formed by the protruding cartilaginous walls of the auditory tubes. From the posterior edge of the tubal ridge, there is a fold of the mucous membrane downwards, which contains a muscle bundle (m.salpingopharyngeus) from the superior muscle that compresses the pharynx, which is involved in the peristalsis of the auditory tube. Posterior to this fold and the mouth of the auditory tube, on each side wall of the nasopharynx there is a depression - the pharyngeal pocket, or Rosenmüllerian fossa, in which there is usually an accumulation of lymphadenoid tissue. These lymphadenoid formations are called “tubal tonsils” - the fifth and sixth tonsils of the pharynx.

At the border between the upper and posterior walls of the nasopharynx there is the pharyngeal (third, or nasopharyngeal) tonsil.

The pharyngeal tonsil is normally well developed only in childhood (Fig. 2.2). From the moment of puberty she

A - clinical picture: 1 - widened bridge of the nose; 2 - constantly open mouth; 3 - elongated face (dolichocephaly), b - location of adenoid vegetations in the nasopharynx: 4 - obstruction of the choanae by adenoids (sagittal section).

It begins to decrease and by the age of 20 it appears in the form of a small strip of adenoid tissue, which continues to atrophy with age. The boundary between the upper and middle parts of the pharynx is the plane of the hard palate, mentally extended posteriorly.

The middle part of the pharynx - the oropharynx (mesopharynx) is involved in the passage of both air and food; This is where the respiratory and digestive tracts intersect. In front of the oropharynx there is an opening - the pharynx, leading into the oral cavity (Fig. 2.3), its posterior wall borders on the Sl. The pharynx is limited by the edge of the soft palate, the anterior and posterior palatine arches and the root of the tongue. In the middle part of the soft palate there is an extension in the form of a process called the uvula. In the lateral sections, the soft palate splits and passes into the anterior and posterior palatine arches, which contain muscles; when these muscles contract, the opposite arches come closer together, acting as a sphincter at the moment of swallowing. In the soft palate itself there is a muscle that lifts it and presses it to the back wall of the pharynx (m.levator veli palatini); when this muscle contracts, the lumen of the auditory tube expands. The second muscle of the soft palate strains and stretches it to the sides, widens the mouth of the auditory tube, but narrows its lumen in the rest of the part (m.tensor veli palatini).

Between the palatine arches in triangular niches are the palatine tonsils (first and second). The histological structure of the lymphadenoid tissue of the pharynx is the same; between the connective tissue fibers (trabeculae) there is a mass of lymphocytes, some of which are in the form of spherical clusters called follicles (Fig. 2.4). However, the structure of the palatine tonsils has important clinical features. The free, or os, surface of the palatine tonsils faces the pharyngeal cavity and is covered with stratified squamous epithelium. Unlike other pharyngeal tonsils, each palatine tonsil has 16-18 deep slits called lacunae, or crypts. The outer surface of the tonsils is connected to the lateral wall of the pharynx through a dense fibrous membrane (the intersection of the cervical and buccal fascia), which is clinically called the tonsil capsule.

Between the capsule of the tonsil and the pharyngeal fascia covering the muscles, there is loose paratonsillar tissue, which facilitates the removal of the tonsil during tonsillectomy. Many connective tissue fibers pass from the capsule into the parenchyma of the tonsil, which are interconnected by crossbars (trabeculae), forming a densely looped network. The cells of this network are filled with a mass of lymphocytes (lymphoid tissue), which in some places are formed into follicles (lymphatic, or nodular, tissue), generally forming lymphadenoid tissue. Other cells are also found here - mast cells, plasma cells, etc. Follicles are spherical accumulations of lymphocytes in varying degrees of maturity.

The lacunae penetrate the thickness of the amygdala and have branches of the first, second, third and even fourth order. The walls of the lacunae are lined with flat epithelium, which is rejected in many places. The lumen of the lacunae, along with the rejected epithelium, which forms the basis of the so-called tonsil plugs, always contains microflora, lymphocytes, neutrophils, etc.

An important factor from the point of view of pathology is that the emptying (drainage) of deep and tree-like branched lacunae is easily disrupted due to their narrowness, depth and branching, as well as due to cicatricial narrowing of the mouths of the lacunae, part of which in the anteroinferior part of the palatine tonsil is also covered a flat fold of the mucous membrane (fold of His), which is the expanded part of the anterior arch.

Above the superior pole of the amygdala there is a part of the tonsil-

Rice. 2.3.

(sagittal section).

1 - hard palate; 2 - velum; 3 - superior nasal concha; 4 - “superior” nasal concha; 5 - anastomosis of the main sinus; 6 main sinus; 7 - choana; 8 - tubal-palatal fold; 9 - pharyngeal mouth of the auditory tube; 10 - nasopharyngeal (pharyngeal) tonsil; 11 - pharyngeal pocket; 12 - pipe roller; 13 - arch of the atlas (1st cervical vertebra); 14 - nasopharynx; 15 - tubopharyngeal fold; 16 - uvula of the soft palate; 17 - palatine-lingual fold (anterior palatine); 18 - palatine tonsil; 19 - velopharyngeal (posterior palatine) arch; 20 - oropharynx; 21- epiglottis; 22 - laryngopharynx; 23 - cricoid cartilage; 24 - esophagus; 25- trachea; 26 - thyroid cartilage (area of ​​the Adam's apple angle); 27 - laryngeal cavity; 28 - body of the hyoid bone; 29 - mylohyoid muscle; 30 - geniohyoid muscle; 31 - genioglossus muscle; 32 - vestibule of the mouth; 33 - oral cavity; 34 - inferior nasal concha; 35 - middle turbinate; 36 frontal sinus.

1 - crypt (lacuna); 2 - lymphoid follicles; 3 - connective tissue capsule; 4- mouth of the lacuna (crypt).

The facial niche is filled with loose fiber, which is called the supratonsillarae fossa. The superior lacunae of the tonsil open into it. The development of paratonsillitis is often associated with the structural features of this area. The above anatomical and topographical features create favorable conditions for the occurrence of chronic inflammation in the tonsils. The structure of the upper pole of the amygdala is especially unfavorable in this regard; As a rule, this is where inflammation most often develops.

Sometimes in the area of ​​the upper pole, the lobule of the palatine tonsil may lie in the soft palate above the tonsil (internal accessory tonsil according to B.S. Preobrazhensky), which the surgeon must take into account when performing tonsillectomy.

Lymphadenoid tissue is also present on the posterior wall of the pharynx in the form of small (point-like) formations called granules or follicles, and behind the palatine arches on the lateral walls of the pharynx - lateral ridges. In addition, small accumulations of lymphadenoid tissue are found at the entrance to the larynx and in the pyriform sinuses of the pharynx. At the root of the tongue there is the lingual (fourth) tonsil of the pharynx, which through lymphoid tissue can be connected to the lower pole of the palatine tonsil (during tonsillectomy, this tissue must be removed).

Thus, in the pharynx, in the form of a ring, there are lymphadenoid formations: two palatine tonsils (first and second), two tubal tonsils (fifth and sixth), one pharyngeal (nasopharyngeal, third), one lingual (fourth) and smaller accumulations of lymphadenoid tissue. All of them taken together are called the “lymphadenoid (lymphatic) pharyngeal ring of Valdeira-Pirogov.”

Laryngeal part of the pharynx - laryngeal pharynx (hypopharynx). The border between the oropharynx and laryngopharynx is the upper edge of the epiglottis and the root of the tongue; downwards the laryngopharynx narrows funnel-shaped and passes into the esophagus. The laryngeal part of the pharynx is located in front of the C, v-Cv cervical vertebrae. The entrance to the larynx opens in front and below into the hypopharynx. On the sides of the entrance to the larynx, between it and the side walls of the pharynx, there are depressions that taper cone-shaped at the bottom - pear-shaped pockets (pits, sinuses), along which the food bolus moves to the entrance to the esophagus (Fig. 2.5).

The main part of the lower part of the pharynx (hyopharynx) is located behind the larynx so that its posterior wall is the anterior wall of the pharynx. With indirect laryngoscopy, only the upper part of the lower part of the pharynx is visible, to the lower part of the pear-shaped pouches, and below the anterior and posterior walls of the pharynx are in contact and only diverge when food passes.

1-pyriform sinus; 2 - epiglottis; 3 - aryepiglottic folds; 4-voice folds; 5 - vestibular folds.

The wall of the pharynx consists of four layers. Its basis is a fibrous membrane, which is covered on the inside from the pharyngeal cavity with a mucous membrane, and on the outside with a muscular layer. The muscles located on the outside are covered with a thinner connective tissue layer - adventitia, on which lies loose connective tissue that ensures the mobility of the pharynx in relation to the surrounding anatomical formations.

The mucous membrane of the pharynx in its upper part, near the choanae, is covered with multi-row ciliated epithelium in accordance with the respiratory function of the nasopharynx, in the middle and lower parts - with multilayer squamous epithelium epithelium. The mucous membrane of the pharynx, especially the nasopharynx, the pharyngeal surface of the soft palate, the base of the tongue and the tonsils contain many mucous glands.

The fibrous membrane of the pharynx is attached at the top to the main part of the occipital bone, the medial plate of the pterygoid process and to other bones of the base of the skull.

Downwards, the fibrous membrane becomes somewhat thinner and turns into a thin elastic membrane, attached to the hyoid bone and the plates of the thyroid cartilage. On the side of the pharynx, the fibrous layer is covered with a mucous membrane, on the outside - with a muscular layer.

The muscular layer of the pharynx consists of striated fibers and is represented by circular and longitudinal muscles that compress and elevate the pharynx. The pharynx is compressed by three constrictors - upper, middle and lower. These muscles are located from top to bottom in the form of plates, tiled-like covering each other. The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle originates in front of the sphenoid bone and mandible and runs posteriorly to the midline of the posterior pharyngeal wall, where it forms the upper part of the median pharyngeal suture. The middle muscle that compresses the pharynx starts from the horns of the hyoid bone and the stylohyoid ligament, goes fan-shaped posteriorly to the pharyngeal suture, partially covers the superior muscle that compresses the pharynx, and is located below the inferior muscle that compresses the pharynx. This muscle starts from the outer surface of the cricoid cartilage, the inferior horn and the posterior edge of the thyroid cartilage, goes posteriorly and along the midline of the posterior wall of the pharynx forms the pharyngeal suture with its attachment. At the top, the lower muscle that compresses the pharynx covers the lower section of the middle constrictor of the pharynx; at the bottom, its bundles function as a constrictor of the esophagus.

The pharynx is raised by two longitudinal muscles - the stylopharyngeal (main) and the velopharyngeal, which forms the posterior palatine arch. By contracting, the muscles of the pharynx perform a peristaltic type of movement; The pharynx rises upward at the moment of swallowing, and thus the food bolus moves down to the mouth of the esophagus. In addition, the superior constrictor gives muscle bundles to the auditory tube and participates in its function.

Between the mucous membrane of the posterior wall of the pharynx and the prevertebral fascia there is a retropharyngeal space in the form of a flat gap filled with loose connective tissue. From the sides, the retropharyngeal space is limited by fascial sheets that go to the wall of the pharynx from the prevertebral fascia. Starting from the base of the skull, this space passes down behind the pharynx to the esophagus, where its fiber passes into the retroesophageal fiber, and then into the posterior mediastinum. The retropharyngeal space is divided sagittally into two symmetrical halves by the median septum. In children, near the median septum there are lymph nodes into which lymphatic vessels flow from the palatine tonsils, posterior sections of the nasal and oral cavities; with age, these nodes atrophy; in children they can fester, forming a retropharyngeal abscess. On the sides of the pharynx there is a peripharyngeal space filled with fiber (Fig. 2.6), in which the neurovascular bundle passes and the main lymph nodes of the neck are located.

The length of the pharynx of an adult from its arch to the lower end is 14 (12-15) cm, the transverse size of the pharynx is larger than the anteroposterior one and is on average 4.5 cm.

I - chewing mouse; 2 - lower jaw; 3 - internal alveolar artery; 4 - VII (facial) nerve; 5 - parotid gland. 6 - external carotid artery; 7 - posterior facial vein; 8 - parotid fascia; 9 - internal jugular vein and glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve; 10 - accessory (XI) nerve; II - internal carotid artery and vagus (X) nerve; 12 - superior cervical sympathetic node; 13 - atlas with prevertebral fascia; 14 - long muscle of the head and neck; 15 - hypoglossal (XII) nerve; 16 - palatine tonsil; 17 - styloid process; 18 - internal pterygoid muscle; 19 - peripharyngeal space.

The main blood supply to the pharynx comes from the pharyngeal ascending artery (a.pharyngica ascendens - a branch of the external carotid artery - a.carotis externa), the ascending palatine artery (a.platina ascendens - a branch of the facial artery - a.facialis, which also comes from the external carotid artery), descending palatine arteries (aa.palatina descendens - branches of the maxillary artery - a.maxillaris, the terminal branch of the external carotid artery). The lower part of the pharynx is partially fed from the inferior thyroid artery (a.thyreoidea inferior - branch of the subclavian artery - a.sub-clavia - on the left and the brachiocephalic trunk - truncus brachiocephalicus - on the right). The blood supply to the palatine tonsils comes from the external carotid artery system with various options (Fig. 2.7).

In anatomy, the pharynx is understood as a flattened canal fused by the upper wall with the base of the skull. The movement of food from the oral cavity to the esophagus through the pharynx is ensured by constrictors and longitudinal muscles. In the structure of the human pharynx, the nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx are distinguished - the name of each of them is given by the name of the area to which this canal adjoins.

Throat ( pharynx) Located in the head and neck area, it is a funnel-shaped tube suspended from the base of the skull. The digestive and respiratory tracts cross at the pharynx. Above and behind the pharynx is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle of the basilar part of the occipital bone, on the sides - to the pyramids of the temporal bones and to the medial plate of the pterygoid processes of the sphenoid bone. The openings of the nasal cavity (choanae) and oral cavity (pharynx), as well as the pharyngeal openings of the auditory tubes, open into the pharynx. At the bottom of the pharynx it communicates with the larynx, and even lower, at the level of the VI cervical vertebra, it passes into the esophagus.

Check out the photo and description of the structure of the human pharynx presented below:

Nasal, oral and laryngeal parts of the pharynx

The structure of the pharynx consists of nasal, oral and laryngeal parts. The nasal part of the pharynx (pars nasalis pharyngis) is located at the level of the choanae and forms the upper part of the pharynx. The oral part of the pharynx (pars oralis pharyngis) extends from the soft palate above to the entrance to the larynx below and is located at the level of the pharynx. The laryngeal part of the pharynx (pars laryngea pharyngis) is the lower part of the pharynx and is located from the level of the entrance to the larynx to the transition of the pharynx to the esophagus. In the anatomy of the human pharynx, the nasal part of the pharynx (nasopharynx) refers only to the respiratory tract. The oropharynx belongs to the digestive and respiratory tracts. The laryngeal part of the pharynx belongs only to the digestive tract.

At the junction of the upper wall of the pharynx and its posterior wall, the pharyngeal tonsil (tonsilla pharyngealis) is located in the mucous membrane. On the lateral walls of the pharynx, at the level of the inferior turbinate, there is the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube (ostium pharyngeum tubae au-ditivae), through which the pharyngeal cavity communicates with the cavity of the middle ear. Near the pharyngeal opening (behind and above) there is an elevation - the tubal valine (torus tubarius), formed by the cartilage of the auditory tube located in this place.

The tubal tonsil (tonsilla tubaria) is located in the mucous membrane around the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube and in the area of ​​the tubal ridge.

The entrance from the pharynx to the larynx is limited in front by the epiglottis (epiglottis), on the sides by the aryepiglottic cartilages (plicae aryepiglotticae), and behind by the arytenoid cartilages of the larynx. On the sides of the larynx are the right and left pear-shaped narmans (recessus piriformes).

The photo of the structure of the pharynx shows the nasal, oral and laryngeal parts:

The walls of the pharynx are formed by the mucous membrane (tunica mucosa), submucosa (tela submucosa), well-defined muscular layer (tunica muscularis) and adventitia (adventitia).

The posterior wall of the pharynx is adjacent to the anterior side of the cervical spine, covered in front by the prevertebral muscles and the prevertebral plate of the cervical fascia. Between the posterior surface of the pharynx and the prevertebral plate of the fascia there is a retropharyngeal space (spatium retropharyngeum), in which the retropharyngeal lymph nodes are located. On the side of the pharynx are the common carotid artery, internal jugular vein and vagus nerve, forming the neurovascular bundle. In front of the pharynx are the nasal cavity (above), the oral cavity and larynx (below).

The upper wall is formed by the vault of the pharynx (fornix pharyngis), where the pharynx is firmly fused with the base of the skull.

Pharyngeal muscles: compressors and levators

The pharyngeal muscles form paired transversely oriented compressors (constrictors) (superior, middle and lower) and longitudinal muscles (stylopharyngeal and tubopharyngeal), which are elevators. Due to these features of the pharynx, during swallowing, the longitudinal muscles lift the canal, as if pulling it onto the bolus of food, and the constrictors (constrictors), contracting, push the food towards the esophagus.

Look at the detailed structure of the human pharynx in these photos:

Superior pharyngeal constrictor ( m. constrictor pharyngis superior) begins on the medial plate of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone (pars pterygopharyngea), on the pterygomandibularis, stretched between the pterygomandibularis, stretched between the pterygomandibular hook and the lower jaw (buccopharyngeal part, pars bucco-pharyngea), at the posterior end of the maxillary the sublingual line of the lower jaw (maxillopharyngeal part, pars mylopharyngea) and at the root of the tongue (pars glossopharyngea). The muscle fibers of the superior pharyngeal constrictor go backwards and downwards to the back of the pharynx, where they fuse with the same bundles of muscles on the opposite side. In the upper part of the posterior wall, where there are no muscle fibers, there is a connective tissue plate - the so-called pharyngobasilar fascia (fascia pharyngobasilaris).

Middle pharyngeal constrictor ( m. constrictor pharyngis medius) begins on the greater horn of the hyoid bone (the horn-pharyngeal part, pars ceratopharyngea) and on the lesser horn of this bone (the cartilaginous part, pars chondropharyngea). The muscle bundles are directed posteriorly, where they fan out upward and downward, and on the back side of the pharynx they merge with the muscle bundles of the middle constrictor of the opposite side.

One of the structural features of the pharynx is that the upper part of the middle pharyngeal constrictor is superimposed on the lower part of the muscle bundles of the upper constrictor.

Inferior pharyngeal constrictor ( m. constrictor pharyngis inferior) begins on the lateral surface of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages of the larynx, forming the thyropharyngeal part (pars thyropharyngea) and the cricopharyngeal part (pars crico-pharyngea). The muscle bundles run horizontally backward, down and up, cover the lower half of the middle constrictor and grow together with the bundles of the same muscle on the opposite side on the back of the pharynx. The lower muscle bundles of the lower pharyngeal constrictor extend onto the posterior surface of the beginning of the esophagus.

Along the midline on the back of the pharynx, where the muscle bundles of the constrictors of the right and left sides grow together, a pharyngeal suture (raphe pharyngis) is formed.

Longitudinal muscles, levator pharynx(paired stylopharyngeal and tubopharyngeal muscles), begin on the bones of the skull, go down and medially and are woven into the walls of the pharynx. The stylopharyngeal muscle (m. stylopharyngeus) begins on the styloid process of the temporal bone, goes down and anteriorly and ends in the wall of the pharynx between the superior and middle constrictors. The tubopharyngeal muscle (m. salpingopharyngeus) begins on the underside of the cartilage of the auditory tube (near the pharyngeal opening), goes down and is woven into the lateral wall of the pharynx. The outside of the pharynx is covered with a thin connective tissue layer - adventitia.

Innervation: pharyngeal plexus, formed by branches of the glossopharyngeal, vagus nerves and sympathetic trunk.

Blood supply: branches of the ascending pharyngeal artery (from the external carotid artery), pharyngeal branches (from the thyrocervical trunk - branches of the subclavian artery), branches of the ascending palatine artery - branches of the facial artery. Venous blood flows through the pharyngeal plexus into the internal jugular vein.

Lymphatic vessels drain into the retropharyngeal and deep cervical lymph nodes.

It is not surprising that the pharynx is called the “main gate” to the human body, because everything that gets inside passes through this organ. People often call it simply “throat”, but in medical terminology it has a different name. Let's find out what the functions of the pharynx are and what its role is in vital processes.

Scientific definition

From a medical point of view, the pharynx (from Latin pharynx) is the connecting chain between the oral cavity and the nose. Outwardly, it looks like a tube that begins with the larynx and ends with the esophagus. This is precisely what determines its role as the most important link not only in the digestive process, but also in the respiratory process.

Structure of the pharynx

The anatomical structure of the pharynx is a complex diagram: this organ originates at the base of the skull (near and extends to VI-VII cervical vertebrae (approximately at the level of the collarbones). The length of the pharynx in humans varies from 10 (in children and adolescents) to 14 cm (in adults).

The entire inner surface of the pharynx has a mucous membrane and glands, under which spherical muscles are hidden that can contract (shrink and stretch). They are the ones who help the body carry out its tasks. Main functions of the pharynx:

• breathing,
• swallowing food
• voice formation.

In general, the structure of the pharynx can be described as follows: it consists of three sections (nasal, oral and laryngeal), each of which is connected by a common tube and performs certain actions. For a better understanding, you should study in more detail the structure of each part.

Diagram of the nasopharynx

The upper part of the pharynx, connected to the nasal cavity, passes through special nasal openings - choanae, and is called the nasopharynx. It consists of anterior and posterior parts, thanks to which the two functions of the pharynx are performed. It is impossible to imagine a person without the breathing process, which, in turn, will cease to function if any microprocess in the nasopharynx system is disrupted.

An important function of the nasopharynx is to protect our body from various microbes that can enter through the mouth. The fact is that in the back wall of the upper part of the pharynx there is a fairly large accumulation of lymphadenoid tissue (in other words, these are tonsils), which is a kind of barrier to pathogenic bacteria and prevents them from passing deeper.

The tonsils are located on they are covered with multilayered epithelium, which forms a dense protective wall against microbes. Lymphadenoid tissue is also located on the plane of the tongue, closer to the root itself. Together with the rest of the tonsils and follicles, they form a ring-shaped chain in the thickness of the mucous membrane. In medical terminology, this part of the organ is called the pharyngeal lymphadenoid ring and is an important part of the immune system.

The middle part of the pharynx: its structure and functions

The next part of the system can be considered the oropharynx: this area that extends from the root of the tongue to the esophagus. The entire surface of this tube is covered with mucous membrane, under which muscles are located. They are the ones who compress the pharynx and help push food into the esophagus. It’s hard to believe, but all muscles are in constant motion, thereby ensuring the vital activity of the pharyngeal cavity.

The largest muscles of the oropharynx are called constrictors, they bear a large load during contraction. They are usually located in the posterior part of the pterygoid process (the area of ​​​​the root of the tongue) and perform the most important functions of the human pharynx in digestion. In addition to swallowing food and mucus, they are involved in the processes of opening and closing the pharynx. Depending on their location, they are divided into the upper constrictor, the middle and two lateral ones.

The lower part of the pharynx is the hypopharynx

The lowest section of the organ is located in the back of the larynx, on the 4th vertebra, it stretches from the beginning of the larynx to the esophagus. The surface of the laryngopharynx has under which there are longitudinal and transverse muscles. When eating, the longitudinal muscle stretches and, as it were, lifts the pharynx, and the transverse muscles push through pieces of food. The role of the pharynx in digestion is largely determined by the state of the organ itself: how the tonsils work, whether they are able to protect against viral diseases, whether there are any abnormalities in development and whether there are any chronic, traumatic or oncological diseases.

What are the functions of the pharynx in the respiratory system?

Everyone knows that in the human throat two main elements of life are actually connected: the respiratory and digestive systems. How is it that there are no collisions at this “crossroads” and every process functions without failures? It's all about the clever design of this organ.

In the area of ​​the nasopharynx, just above the level of the oral cavity, there is a small system of valves that alternately close or open one or another passage of the larynx depending on the process (breathing or eating). The main air channel, which stretches from the nasopharynx to the larynx, is open when all muscles are relaxed, so we can calmly inhale and exhale air through the mouth. When we yawn, the septum, located in the area of ​​the soft palate, allows air to pass into both the oral and nasal cavities. Unfortunately, a person is not able to fully control the muscles of this septum: even if you lift the soft palate and stop the flow of air, the passage will still remain open. This is the reason why sometimes food particles can get into the nasopharynx.

Next is the trachea, through which air flows from the beginning of the pharynx to the lungs themselves. This organ largely contributes to the universal distribution of air flows in the pharynx, and thanks to the valve located at its base (epiglottis), the main functions of the pharynx in the respiratory system are performed.

The main functions of the pharynx in digestion

The pharynx is the organ through which consumed food enters the esophagus and then into the stomach. The most important processes occur in the pharynx that affect all further digestion. It is here that food is first assessed by its taste: in the oropharynx and on the surface of the tongue there are receptors that form the taste sensations of food and largely contribute to appetite.

Another function of the pharynx is the initial mechanical processing of food: with the help of teeth we bite off food, chew and grind it. An active salivary process occurs in the pharynx, thanks to which food is moistened and easily passes throughout the larynx to the esophagus.

Interesting fact: contraction of the muscles that facilitate swallowing food occurs reflexively; impulses come from the central nervous system that force the muscles to move voluntarily, i.e. the person does not control this process. This feature of the pharynx was discovered when the person was under anesthesia.

Diseases of the pharynx

With the onset of cold weather, widespread epidemics begin when people catch various viruses. One of the organs most susceptible to viral diseases is the pharynx. The most common types of illnesses are sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, etc. The symptoms of these diseases are very unpleasant: constant sore throat, runny nose or swollen tonsils. It is better not to delay treatment of the pharynx; timely therapy with modern antibiotics will quickly get rid of bacterial disease, and antiviral drugs effectively fight viruses. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to follow certain rules, for example, wearing a mask in crowded places. Traditional methods of treatment will also not hurt: warm milk with honey will definitely soothe the laryngeal mucosa, and a tincture of chamomile and herbs will strengthen the immune system.

The throat is a human organ that is classified as the upper respiratory tract.

Functions

The throat helps move air to the respiratory system and food through the digestive system. Also in one of the parts of the throat are the vocal cords and a protective system (prevents food from getting past its path).

Anatomical structure of the throat and pharynx

The throat contains a large number of nerves, important blood vessels and muscles. There are two parts of the throat - the pharynx and larynx. Their trachea continues. The functions between the parts of the throat are divided as follows:

• The pharynx moves food into the digestive system and air into the respiratory system.
• The vocal cords work thanks to the larynx.

Pharynx

Another name for the pharynx is pharynx. It starts at the back of the mouth and continues down the neck. The shape of the pharynx is an inverted cone.

The wider part is located at the base of the skull for strength. The narrow lower part connects to the larynx. The outer part of the pharynx continues with the outer part of the mouth - it has quite a lot of glands that produce mucus and help moisten the throat during speech or eating.

The pharynx has three parts - the nasopharynx, oropharynx and swallowing section.

Nasopharynx

The uppermost part of the pharynx. She has a soft palate, which limits her and, when swallowing, protects her nose from food getting into it. On the upper wall of the nasopharynx there are adenoids - a collection of tissue on the back wall of the organ. The nasopharynx is connected to the throat by a special passage - the Eustachian tube. The nasopharynx is not as mobile as the oropharynx.

Oropharynx

Middle part of the pharynx. Located at the back of the oral cavity. The main thing this organ is responsible for is the delivery of air to the respiratory organs. Human speech is possible due to contractions of the muscles of the mouth. The tongue is also located in the oral cavity, which facilitates the movement of food into the digestive system. The most important organs of the oropharynx are the ones most often involved in various throat diseases.

Swallowing department

The lowest section of the pharynx with a self-explanatory name. It has a complex of nerve plexuses that help maintain synchronous functioning of the pharynx. Thanks to this, air enters the lungs, and food enters the esophagus, and everything happens at the same time.

Larynx

The larynx is located in the body as follows:

• Opposite the cervical vertebrae (4-6 vertebrae).
• At the back is the immediate laryngeal part of the pharynx.
• In front - the larynx is formed thanks to a group of hyoid muscles.
• Above is the hyoid bone.
• Laterally, the larynx is adjacent with its lateral parts to the thyroid gland.

The larynx has a skeleton. The skeleton has unpaired and paired cartilages. Cartilage is connected by joints, ligaments and muscles.

Unpaired: cricoid, epiglottis, thyroid.

Paired: horn-shaped, aryten-shaped, wedge-shaped.

The muscles of the larynx, in turn, are also divided into three groups:

• Four muscles narrow the glottis: the thyroarytenoid, cricoarytenoid, oblique arytenoid and transverse muscles.
• Only one muscle widens the glottis - the posterior cricoarytenoid. She is a steam room.
• Two muscles tense the vocal cords: the vocal cord and the cricothyroid.

The larynx has an entrance.

• Behind this entrance are the arytenoid cartilages. They consist of horn-shaped tubercles that are located on the side of the mucous membrane.
• In front is the epiglottis.
• On the sides there are aryepiglottic folds. They consist of wedge-shaped tubercles.

The laryngeal cavity is divided into three parts:

• The vestibule stretches from the vestibular folds to the epiglottis, the folds are formed by the mucous membrane, and between these folds there is the vestibular fissure.
• The interventricular section is the narrowest. Stretches from the lower vocal cords to the upper ligaments of the vestibule. Its narrowest part is called the glottis, and it is created by intercartilaginous and membranous tissues.
• Subvocal area. Based on the name, it is clear that it is located below the glottis. The trachea expands and begins.

The larynx has three membranes:

• The mucous membrane, unlike the vocal cords (they are made of squamous non-keratinizing epithelium), consists of multinucleated prismatic epithelium.
• Fibrous-cartilaginous membrane - consists of elastic and hyaline cartilages, which are surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, and provides this entire structure with the framework of the larynx.
• Connective tissue is the connecting part of the larynx and other formations of the neck.

The larynx is responsible for three functions:

• Protective - the mucous membrane has ciliated epithelium, and it contains many glands. And if the food gets past, then the nerve endings carry out a reflex - a cough, which removes the food back from the larynx into the mouth.
• Respiratory - related to the previous function. The glottis can contract and expand, thereby directing air flow.
• Voice-forming - speech, voice. The characteristics of the voice depend on the individual anatomical structure. and the condition of the vocal cords.

The picture shows the structure of the larynx

Diseases, pathologies and injuries

The following problems exist:

• Laryngospasm
• Insufficient hydration of the vocal cords

Nature has designed the human body in a very interesting way. Its anatomy is of the deepest interest. All organs in it are interconnected, their work is coordinated and resembles a clockwork. But as soon as one of the organs gets sick, the whole system immediately suffers. For the two most important functions in the human body, respiratory and digestive, answers the pharynx. Through this organ, the air we breathe enters the lungs. The digestive function is expressed in the acts of sucking and swallowing.

In addition to the respiratory and digestive functions, the pharynx provides protection and voicing. It contains tonsils, which, acting as a filter, do not allow pathogenic microorganisms that can cause various diseases to penetrate further into the body. Also on the mucous membrane of the pharynx there are cilia, which, when irritated, form a cough. With the help of coughing, the body gets rid of foreign objects, pathogens, and harmful substances.

The function of voice production is not vital for humans. But exactly the pharynx takes an active part in the correct formation of sounds. When pronouncing sounds, the soft palate and tongue move, thereby closing or opening the nasopharynx. This creates the necessary timbre and pitch of the voice. Voice formation directly depends on the anatomical and functional state of the neuromuscular apparatus of the pharynx.

The human pharynx is part of the digestive tract. It is located between the oral cavity and the esophagus and at the same time is part of the respiratory tract, because it connects the nasal cavity with the larynx. The average length of the pharynx in an adult varies from 11 to 16 cm. The human pharynx begins at the base of the skull. Its end is located at the level of the 6-7th vertebra, passing into the esophagus. At the back of the pharynx are the long muscles of the neck and the cervical vertebrae. The buccal-pharyngeal fascia covers the outside of the pharynx. Between it and the parietal leaf there is a retropharyngeal cellular space.

On both sides of the pharynx, in the paired pharyngeal space, the carotid artery and jugular vein pass. Adjoining the sides are the common carotid arteries and the upper poles of the thyroid gland. The anatomy of the pharynx in children and adults is quite different. So, in infants, the length of this organ is approximately three centimeters, and it ends at the level of the 3-4th cervical vertebra. And only by adolescence the lower edge of the pharynx begins to reach the level of the 6-7th cervical vertebra. In children, the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube has the shape of a slit. It acquires an oval shape with age. Due to this anatomical structure, children are more susceptible to various diseases, and inflammatory processes disrupt normal breathing.

The human pharynx consists of three sections:

• epipharynx,
• mesopharynx,
• hypopharynx.

Epiphanrix represents the nasal part, also called the nasopharynx, communicating through the choanae with the nasal cavity. Mesopharynx - this is the oral part, also called the oropharynx, communicating with the oral cavity through the pharynx. A hypopharynx it is the laryngeal part of the pharynx, which is also called the hypopharynx, communicating with the entrance to the esophagus and larynx. This part of the pharynx originates near the 4th vertebra and ends near the esophagus. Nearby is the thyroid gland. On the side walls of the pharynx there are funnel-shaped openings of the auditory tubes, which ensures equalization of atmospheric pressure in the tympanic cavity of the ear.

The mesopharynx is the middle part of the pharynx, has a smooth transition from the nasopharynx. Oropharynx- this is, in fact, its continuation. In the human oropharynx there are:

• human soft palate
• palatine arches,
• back of the tongue.

The dorsum of the tongue separates the oropharynx from the oral cavity. The soft palate or vault of the pharynx is responsible for the most important functions of the body. The soft palate facilitates the swallowing process by blocking the airways. The soft palate also allows for the correct formation of sounds. The oropharynx prevents food from entering the nasopharynx, which is very important for normal breathing.

Pharyngeal wall

The wall of the pharynx requires special attention. The anatomy of the pharyngeal wall is as follows:

• muscle layer,
• mucous membrane,
• fibrous membrane.

The muscle layer propels the bolus of food towards the esophagus through muscle contractions. The muscles are located in two directions: transverse and longitudinal. The mucous membrane has a different structure. It depends on where the mucous membrane is located.

Diseases of the pharynx

The pharynx is one of the most important human organs, changing with age, responsible for several body functions necessary for a normal healthy human life. This part of the body, like others, is not spared by various diseases, of which, despite the complex anatomical structure of the pharynx, there are not so many.

Common diseases of the pharynx are:

If a person is overtaken by an illness, then you need to forget about self-medication and go to see a doctor. Any diagnosis must be carried out by a specialist with a higher medical education, and he must also treat the patient.