Pharyngeal Anatomy Test

1. Specify the skeletal landmarks of the pharynx in adults.

• From the cranial base to the VI-VII cervical vertebrae

  In adults, the pharynx begins at the cranial base and transitions into the esophagus at the level of the lower edge of the VI cervical vertebra.

• From the cranial base to the IV thoracic vertebra

  In adults, the pharynx begins at the cranial base and transitions into the esophagus at the level of the lower edge of the VI cervical vertebra.

• From the hard palate to the V cervical vertebra

  In adults, the pharynx begins at the cranial base and transitions into the esophagus at the level of the lower edge of the VI cervical vertebra.

• From the hyoid bone to the jugular notch of the sternum

  In adults, the pharynx begins at the cranial base and transitions into the esophagus at the level of the lower edge of the VI cervical vertebra.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In adults, the pharynx begins at the cranial base and transitions into the esophagus at the level of the lower edge of the VI cervical vertebra.

2. Which nerves participate in the formation of the pharyngeal plexus (plexus pharyngeus)?

• Trigeminal, facial, and vagus nerves

  The pharyngeal plexus is formed by branches of the glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X) nerves and the sympathetic trunk.

• Glossopharyngeal, vagus nerves, and sympathetic fibers

  The pharyngeal plexus is formed by branches of the glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X) nerves and the sympathetic trunk.

• Hypoglossal, glossopharyngeal, and accessory nerves

  The pharyngeal plexus is formed by branches of the glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X) nerves and the sympathetic trunk.

• Facial, glossopharyngeal nerves, and parasympathetic fibers

  The pharyngeal plexus is formed by branches of the glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X) nerves and the sympathetic trunk.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The pharyngeal plexus is formed by branches of the glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X) nerves and the sympathetic trunk.

3. Which artery is the primary source of blood supply to the pharynx?

• Descending palatine artery

  The ascending pharyngeal artery (a. pharyngea ascendens), a branch of the external carotid artery, is the primary source of blood supply to the pharynx.

• Lingual artery

  The ascending pharyngeal artery (a. pharyngea ascendens), a branch of the external carotid artery, is the primary source of blood supply to the pharynx.

• Ascending pharyngeal artery

  The ascending pharyngeal artery (a. pharyngea ascendens), a branch of the external carotid artery, is the primary source of blood supply to the pharynx.

• Superior laryngeal artery

  The ascending pharyngeal artery (a. pharyngea ascendens), a branch of the external carotid artery, is the primary source of blood supply to the pharynx.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The ascending pharyngeal artery (a. pharyngea ascendens), a branch of the external carotid artery, is the primary source of blood supply to the pharynx.

4. Which nerve provides motor innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle?

• Vagus nerve

  The stylopharyngeus muscle is the only pharyngeal muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX); the others are innervated by the vagus nerve.

• Accessory nerve

  The stylopharyngeus muscle is the only pharyngeal muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX); the others are innervated by the vagus nerve.

• Trigeminal nerve.

  The stylopharyngeus muscle is the only pharyngeal muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX); the others are innervated by the vagus nerve.

• Glossopharyngeal nerve

  The stylopharyngeus muscle is the only pharyngeal muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX); the others are innervated by the vagus nerve.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The stylopharyngeus muscle is the only pharyngeal muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX); the others are innervated by the vagus nerve.

5. Where is the piriform recess (recessus piriformis) located?

• In the nasal portion of the pharynx, posterior to the tubal fold

  The piriform recess is a depression in the laryngeal part of the pharynx, located laterally to the entrance of the larynx.

• In the oral portion of the pharynx, between the palatine arches

  The piriform recess is a depression in the laryngeal part of the pharynx, located laterally to the entrance of the larynx.

• In the laryngeal part of the pharynx, on the sides of the laryngeal inlet

  The piriform recess is a depression in the laryngeal part of the pharynx, located laterally to the entrance of the larynx.

• At the transition point from the pharynx to the esophagus

  The piriform recess is a depression in the laryngeal part of the pharynx, located laterally to the entrance of the larynx.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The piriform recess is a depression in the laryngeal part of the pharynx, located laterally to the entrance of the larynx.

6. To which structure is the pharyngobasilar fascia attached at the cranial base?

• To the pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone

  The pharyngobasilar fascia is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle of the basilar part of the occipital bone, the pyramid of the temporal bone, and the medial plate of the pterygoid process.

• To the foramen magnum

  The pharyngobasilar fascia is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle of the basilar part of the occipital bone, the pyramid of the temporal bone, and the medial plate of the pterygoid process.

• To the styloid process of the temporal bone

  The pharyngobasilar fascia is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle of the basilar part of the occipital bone, the pyramid of the temporal bone, and the medial plate of the pterygoid process.

• To the mastoid process

  The pharyngobasilar fascia is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle of the basilar part of the occipital bone, the pyramid of the temporal bone, and the medial plate of the pterygoid process.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The pharyngobasilar fascia is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle of the basilar part of the occipital bone, the pyramid of the temporal bone, and the medial plate of the pterygoid process.

7. By which anatomical formations does the nasal part of the pharynx communicate with the nasal cavity?

• Isthmus

  The nasal part of the pharynx communicates with the nasal cavity anteriorly through paired openings called choanae.

• Choanae

  The nasal part of the pharynx communicates with the nasal cavity anteriorly through paired openings called choanae.

• Pharyngeal openings of the auditory tubes

  The nasal part of the pharynx communicates with the nasal cavity anteriorly through paired openings called choanae.

• Piriform apertures

  The nasal part of the pharynx communicates with the nasal cavity anteriorly through paired openings called choanae.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The nasal part of the pharynx communicates with the nasal cavity anteriorly through paired openings called choanae.

8. On which wall of the pharynx is the pharyngeal opening of the auditory (Eustachian) tube located?

• On the anterior wall of the oral part

  The pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube (ostium pharyngeum tubae auditivae) is located on the lateral wall of the nasopharynx at the level of the inferior turbinate.

• On the posterior wall of the laryngeal part

  The pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube (ostium pharyngeum tubae auditivae) is located on the lateral wall of the nasopharynx at the level of the inferior turbinate.

• On the superior wall of the nasal part

  The pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube (ostium pharyngeum tubae auditivae) is located on the lateral wall of the nasopharynx at the level of the inferior turbinate.

• On the lateral wall of the nasal part

  The pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube (ostium pharyngeum tubae auditivae) is located on the lateral wall of the nasopharynx at the level of the inferior turbinate.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube (ostium pharyngeum tubae auditivae) is located on the lateral wall of the nasopharynx at the level of the inferior turbinate.

9. Where do the tendinous bundles of the pharyngeal constrictors of opposite sides join?

• On the hyoid bone

  The fibers of all three pharyngeal constrictors converge on the posterior surface and intertwine into the tendinous strip — the pharyngeal raphe (raphe pharyngis).

• On the thyroid cartilage

  The fibers of all three pharyngeal constrictors converge on the posterior surface and intertwine into the tendinous strip — the pharyngeal raphe (raphe pharyngis).

• Along the median line of the posterior wall of the pharynx, forming the pharyngeal raphe

  The fibers of all three pharyngeal constrictors converge on the posterior surface and intertwine into the tendinous strip — the pharyngeal raphe (raphe pharyngis).

• On the pharyngobasilar fascia

  The fibers of all three pharyngeal constrictors converge on the posterior surface and intertwine into the tendinous strip — the pharyngeal raphe (raphe pharyngis).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The fibers of all three pharyngeal constrictors converge on the posterior surface and intertwine into the tendinous strip — the pharyngeal raphe (raphe pharyngis).

10. Into which lymph nodes does lymph predominantly drain from the upper part of the pharynx?

• Submental lymph nodes

  Lymph from the pharynx drains into the retropharyngeal nodes (nodi lymphatici retropharyngeales) and the deep lateral cervical nodes along the internal jugular vein.

• Axillary lymph nodes

  Lymph from the pharynx drains into the retropharyngeal nodes (nodi lymphatici retropharyngeales) and the deep lateral cervical nodes along the internal jugular vein.

• Superficial cervical lymph nodes

  Lymph from the pharynx drains into the retropharyngeal nodes (nodi lymphatici retropharyngeales) and the deep lateral cervical nodes along the internal jugular vein.

• Retropharyngeal and deep cervical lymph nodes

  Lymph from the pharynx drains into the retropharyngeal nodes (nodi lymphatici retropharyngeales) and the deep lateral cervical nodes along the internal jugular vein.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Lymph from the pharynx drains into the retropharyngeal nodes (nodi lymphatici retropharyngeales) and the deep lateral cervical nodes along the internal jugular vein.

11. Which muscles are included in the group of pharyngeal elevators (longitudinal muscles)?

• Superior, middle, and inferior constrictors

  The longitudinal muscles that elevate and expand the pharynx include m. stylopharyngeus, m. palatopharyngeus and m. salpingopharyngeus.

• Stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, and salpingopharyngeus muscles

  The longitudinal muscles that elevate and expand the pharynx include m. stylopharyngeus, m. palatopharyngeus and m. salpingopharyngeus.

• Mylohyoid and digastric muscles

  The longitudinal muscles that elevate and expand the pharynx include m. stylopharyngeus, m. palatopharyngeus and m. salpingopharyngeus.

• Styloglossus and hyoglossus muscles

  The longitudinal muscles that elevate and expand the pharynx include m. stylopharyngeus, m. palatopharyngeus and m. salpingopharyngeus.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The longitudinal muscles that elevate and expand the pharynx include m. stylopharyngeus, m. palatopharyngeus and m. salpingopharyngeus.

12. What tonsils, along with the palatine and lingual, form the pharyngeal lymphoid ring (Waldeyer's ring)?

• Pharyngeal and tubal tonsils

  Pirogov-Waldeyer's lymphoepithelial ring includes one lingual, one pharyngeal, two palatine, and two tubal tonsils.

• Laryngeal and tracheal tonsils

  Pirogov-Waldeyer's lymphoepithelial ring includes one lingual, one pharyngeal, two palatine, and two tubal tonsils.

• Pharyngeal and laryngeal tonsils

  Pirogov-Waldeyer's lymphoepithelial ring includes one lingual, one pharyngeal, two palatine, and two tubal tonsils.

• Tubal and buccal tonsils

  Pirogov-Waldeyer's lymphoepithelial ring includes one lingual, one pharyngeal, two palatine, and two tubal tonsils.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Pirogov-Waldeyer's lymphoepithelial ring includes one lingual, one pharyngeal, two palatine, and two tubal tonsils.

13. Where does the main venous drainage from the pharyngeal venous plexus flow?

• Into the external jugular vein.

  The pharyngeal venous plexus collects blood from the pharyngeal walls and drains through the pharyngeal veins into the internal jugular vein.

• Into the facial vein.

  The pharyngeal venous plexus collects blood from the pharyngeal walls and drains through the pharyngeal veins into the internal jugular vein.

• Into the vertebral vein

  The pharyngeal venous plexus collects blood from the pharyngeal walls and drains through the pharyngeal veins into the internal jugular vein.

• Into the internal jugular vein.

  The pharyngeal venous plexus collects blood from the pharyngeal walls and drains through the pharyngeal veins into the internal jugular vein.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The pharyngeal venous plexus collects blood from the pharyngeal walls and drains through the pharyngeal veins into the internal jugular vein.

14. Which nerve branches provide sensory innervation to the mucous membrane of the nasal part of the pharynx?

• Maxillary nerve (V2)

  The mucous membrane of the superior part of the pharynx (nasopharynx) is innervated by pharyngeal branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion, related to the maxillary nerve.

• Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)

  The mucous membrane of the superior part of the pharynx (nasopharynx) is innervated by pharyngeal branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion, related to the maxillary nerve.

• Vagus nerve (X)

  The mucous membrane of the superior part of the pharynx (nasopharynx) is innervated by pharyngeal branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion, related to the maxillary nerve.

• Facial nerve (VII)

  The mucous membrane of the superior part of the pharynx (nasopharynx) is innervated by pharyngeal branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion, related to the maxillary nerve.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The mucous membrane of the superior part of the pharynx (nasopharynx) is innervated by pharyngeal branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion, related to the maxillary nerve.

15. What anatomical structure is located anteriorly to the oral part of the pharynx?

• Larynx

  The oral part of the pharynx extends from the level of the soft palate to the entrance of the larynx, and anteriorly it communicates with the oral cavity through the isthmus.

• Nasal cavity

  The oral part of the pharynx extends from the level of the soft palate to the entrance of the larynx, and anteriorly it communicates with the oral cavity through the isthmus.

• Isthmus and root of the tongue

  The oral part of the pharynx extends from the level of the soft palate to the entrance of the larynx, and anteriorly it communicates with the oral cavity through the isthmus.

• Esophagus

  The oral part of the pharynx extends from the level of the soft palate to the entrance of the larynx, and anteriorly it communicates with the oral cavity through the isthmus.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The oral part of the pharynx extends from the level of the soft palate to the entrance of the larynx, and anteriorly it communicates with the oral cavity through the isthmus.

16. From which structures does the middle pharyngeal constrictor originate?

• From the medial plate of the pterygoid process and the mylohyoid line

  The middle pharyngeal constrictor (m. constrictor pharyngis medius) originates from the greater and lesser horns of the hyoid bone and the stylohyoid ligament.

• From the greater and lesser horns of the hyoid bone

  The middle pharyngeal constrictor (m. constrictor pharyngis medius) originates from the greater and lesser horns of the hyoid bone and the stylohyoid ligament.

• From the thyroid and cricoid cartilages of the larynx

  The middle pharyngeal constrictor (m. constrictor pharyngis medius) originates from the greater and lesser horns of the hyoid bone and the stylohyoid ligament.

• From the styloid process of the temporal bone

  The middle pharyngeal constrictor (m. constrictor pharyngis medius) originates from the greater and lesser horns of the hyoid bone and the stylohyoid ligament.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The middle pharyngeal constrictor (m. constrictor pharyngis medius) originates from the greater and lesser horns of the hyoid bone and the stylohyoid ligament.

17. What limits the retropharyngeal space (spatium retropharyngeum) posteriorly?

• Buccopharyngeal fascia

  The retropharyngeal space is located between the posterior wall of the pharynx anteriorly and the prevertebral layer of cervical fascia posteriorly.

• Pharyngobasilar fascia

  The retropharyngeal space is located between the posterior wall of the pharynx anteriorly and the prevertebral layer of cervical fascia posteriorly.

• Mucosa of the pharynx

  The retropharyngeal space is located between the posterior wall of the pharynx anteriorly and the prevertebral layer of cervical fascia posteriorly.

• Prevertebral layer of cervical fascia

  The retropharyngeal space is located between the posterior wall of the pharynx anteriorly and the prevertebral layer of cervical fascia posteriorly.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The retropharyngeal space is located between the posterior wall of the pharynx anteriorly and the prevertebral layer of cervical fascia posteriorly.

18. What two parts can be distinguished in the inferior pharyngeal constrictor?

• Pterygo-pharyngeal and bucco-pharyngeal

  The inferior pharyngeal constrictor has two parts, named after their origins: thyro-pharyngeal (pars thyropharyngea) and crico-pharyngeal (pars cricopharyngea).

• Chondro-pharyngeal and cornu-pharyngeal

  The inferior pharyngeal constrictor has two parts, named after their origins: thyro-pharyngeal (pars thyropharyngea) and crico-pharyngeal (pars cricopharyngea).

• Thyro-pharyngeal and crico-pharyngeal

  The inferior pharyngeal constrictor has two parts, named after their origins: thyro-pharyngeal (pars thyropharyngea) and crico-pharyngeal (pars cricopharyngea).

• Maxillo-pharyngeal and glossopharyngeal

  The inferior pharyngeal constrictor has two parts, named after their origins: thyro-pharyngeal (pars thyropharyngea) and crico-pharyngeal (pars cricopharyngea).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The inferior pharyngeal constrictor has two parts, named after their origins: thyro-pharyngeal (pars thyropharyngea) and crico-pharyngeal (pars cricopharyngea).

19. What structure forms the base of the torus tubarius on the lateral wall of the pharynx?

• Cartilaginous part of the auditory tube

  The torus tubarius is formed by the medial cartilaginous edge of the auditory (Eustachian) tube protruding into the nasopharynx.

• Medial pterygoid plate

  The torus tubarius is formed by the medial cartilaginous edge of the auditory (Eustachian) tube protruding into the nasopharynx.

• Lymphoid tissue of the pharyngeal tonsil

  The torus tubarius is formed by the medial cartilaginous edge of the auditory (Eustachian) tube protruding into the nasopharynx.

• Tube-pharyngeal muscle

  The torus tubarius is formed by the medial cartilaginous edge of the auditory (Eustachian) tube protruding into the nasopharynx.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The torus tubarius is formed by the medial cartilaginous edge of the auditory (Eustachian) tube protruding into the nasopharynx.

20. In what order (from the inside out) are the layers of the pharyngeal wall positioned in its upper region?

• Mucosa, muscular, pharyngo-basilar fascia, adventitia

  The inside of the wall is lined by a mucous membrane, outside of which lies a fibrous base (pharyngo-basilar fascia), followed by a muscular layer covered by adventitia.

• Mucosa, pharyngo-basilar fascia, muscular, adventitia

  The inside of the wall is lined by a mucous membrane, outside of which lies a fibrous base (pharyngo-basilar fascia), followed by a muscular layer covered by adventitia.

• Muscular, mucosa, adventitia, serous membrane

  The inside of the wall is lined by a mucous membrane, outside of which lies a fibrous base (pharyngo-basilar fascia), followed by a muscular layer covered by adventitia.

• Mucosa, submucosa, muscular, serous membrane

  The inside of the wall is lined by a mucous membrane, outside of which lies a fibrous base (pharyngo-basilar fascia), followed by a muscular layer covered by adventitia.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The inside of the wall is lined by a mucous membrane, outside of which lies a fibrous base (pharyngo-basilar fascia), followed by a muscular layer covered by adventitia.