What is the structure and function of the nasopharynx?

What is the structure and function of the nasopharynx?

Nasopharynx: It is situated in the space between the back of the nose and soft palate. It is continuous with the nasal cavity and forms the upper part of the respiratory system. It plays an important role in transferring air from the nose to the larynx.

What are the features of nasopharynx?

Features of the nasopharynx are the: nasopharyngeal tonsil. pharyngeal orifice of pharyngotympanic tube. tubal tonsil.

What are the main function of nasopharynx?

The nasopharynx functions as an airway in the respiratory system. Also contained within the nasopharynx are the adenoids, or pharyngeal tonsils. Image from Human Anatomy Atlas. The oropharynx is the middle portion of the pharynx, working with both the respiratory and digestive systems.

What is the tissue of nasopharynx?

The nasopharynx is lined by pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells (Dungworth, 1993).

What structure separates the nasopharynx and oropharynx?

the soft palate
The structure that separates the oropharynx from the nasopharynx is the soft palate.

What is nasopharyngeal mucosa?

Introduction. Normal nasopharyngeal mucosa contains a highly variable amount of lymphoid tissue, which is most abundant in the posterior superior wall and roof, where it commonly is termed an adenoid (1).

What is the nasopharynx made of?

The nasopharynx is a cuboidal cavity formed by muscle and fascia with an epithelial mucosal covering. The roof of the soft palate forms the inferior border of the nasopharynx and creates the junction between the nasopharynx and the oropharynx.

What is the function of nasopharynx oropharynx and laryngopharynx?

The oropharynx is the middle chamber of the pharynx that passes food from the mouth into the laryngopharynx. The nasopharynx opens above it as well. The laryngopharynx is the bottom part of the pharynx that marks the branching pathway between the digestive and respiratory systems.

Which structure of the nasopharynx is related to the sphenoid bone?

The roof of the nasopharynx, formed by the underside of the sphenoid, and the basal part of the occipital bone, slopes downward toward the foramen magnum.

Which structure makes up the anterior border of the nasopharynx?

The anatomic borders of the nasopharynx are (1) the anterior border, consisting of the posterior nasal apertures and nasal septum; (2) the posterior border, the pharyngeal mucosa; (3) the superior border, the pharyngeal mucosa and body of the sphenoid; and (4) the inferior border, the oropharynx.

What anatomical structure lies superior to the nasopharynx?

The sphenoid bone lies superior to the mucosa and pharyngobasilar fascia of the nasopharynx.

How does the structure of the pharynx relate to its function?

Both circular and longitudinal muscles occur in the walls of the pharynx; the circular muscles form constrictions that help push food to the esophagus and prevent air from being swallowed, while the longitudinal fibres lift the walls of the pharynx during swallowing.