The pharynx connects what?
the nasal cavity and mouth superiorly to the larynx and esophagus inferiorly
The pharynx extends to where?
about 5 inches from the base of the skull, to the level of the 6th cervical vertabra
why does the nasopharynx serve only as an air passageway?
Because it lies above the point where food enters the body
what closes off the nasopharynx and prevents food from entering the nasal cavity?
The soft palate and its pendulous uvula move superiorly
What is the job of the pharyngeal tonsil(adenoid)?
trap and destroy pathogens entering the nasopharynx in air
Infected and swollen adenoids block air passage in the nasopharynx and make it necessary to do what?
breathe through the mouth.
What do the pharyngotympanic (auditory)tubes do?
drain the middle ear cavities and allow middle ear pressure to equalize with atmospheric pressure
Because of the strategic location of the tubal tonsils what do they help protect?
the middle ear against infections likely to spread from the nasopharynx.
What also plays a protective role of the middle ear?
pharyngeal tonsil, superoposterior and medial to the tubal tonsils
The oropharynx is continuous with the oral cavity through what?
an archway called isthmus of the fauces
The structural accommodation of the tissue change of the oropharynx helps with what?
increased friction and greater chemical trauma accompanying food passage
What are the two kinds of tonsils embedded in the oropharyngeal mucosa?
palatine tonsils and lingual tonsils