Understanding The Pharynx: Fascia, Tonsils, And Lymphatic Anatomy

Understanding The Pharynx: Fascia, Tonsils, And Lymphatic Anatomy

Question 1. Nasopharynx
Answer:

Nasopharynx Situation:

• It is upper part of the pharynx situated behind the nose

Nasopharynx Extent:

• From base of skull to soft palate

Nasopharynx Communications:

• Anteriorly- nose

Nasopharynx Function:

• It resembles nose
• Passage of air
• Its walls are rigid & non-collapsable, so that air passage is kept patent

Nasopharynx Nerve Supply:

• Pharyngeal branches of Pterygopalatine ganglion

Question 2. Pharyngobasilar fascia
Answer:

• It forms the bed of the tonsil
• It is fibrous sheet internal to the pharyngeal muscles
• The posterior border of medial pterygoid plate gives attachment to it

Question 3. Lymphatic drainage of tonsil.
Answer:

• Lymphatics from the tonsil pass to the Jugulodigastric nodes

Question 4. List the lymphatic nodules in Waldeyer’s ring
Answer:

Waldeyer’s lymphatic ring consists of:

• Retropharyngeal node
• Pharyngeal tonsil- posteriorly & above
• Pharyngeal tonsil
• Tubal tonsil-Laterally & above
• Lingual tonsil- Inferiorly
• Submandibular nodes