Anatomy and Physiology of the Pharynx Quiz

Pharynx functions in swallowing and air passage, not digestion.

Nasopharynx allows passage of air from nasal cavity to larynx, excluding food.

Pharyngeal tonsil helps in immune function, lying behind the nasal cavity.

Levator veli palatini lifts the soft palate, closing off nasal passage during swallowing.

Soft palate divides the nasopharynx from the oropharynx, aiding in swallowing.

CN IX supplies motor fibers to the stylopharyngeus muscle.

Pharyngeal constrictors contract sequentially to push food into the esophagus.

CN IX innervates muscles involved in swallowing and provides sensory feedback.

Pharyngeal tonsil aids in immune response by capturing and destroying pathogens.

Ascending pharyngeal artery provides blood to the structures of the pharynx.

Uvula moves upward to close off the nasopharynx during swallowing.

Aryepiglottic muscle separates the piriform recess from the larynx.

Vallecula serves as a reservoir for saliva and assists in preventing aspiration.

Cricopharyngeus muscle contracts to prevent reflux of food from the esophagus.

CN X provides motor and sensory innervation to most swallowing muscles.

Epiglottis covers the trachea to prevent food or liquid from entering it during swallowing.

Pharyngeal recess is a space, not a structural component of the wall.