Pharyngeal constrictors (outer circular layer of muscles): contract sequentially to move the bolus of food through the pharynx into the esophagus.The muscles of the pharynx can be divided into two groups:.Middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictors.Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx most commonly develops in this region.Food particles can become trapped in these spaces.Piriform recess: a set of depressions in the hypopharynx located posterolaterally to both sides of the laryngeal opening.Inferiorly: esophagus at the level of the cricoid cartilage.Superiorly: upper margin of the epiglottis.Extends from the epiglottis to the beginning of the esophagus.Part of the conducting zone of the respiratory system.Inferiorly: upper margin of the epiglottis.Extends from the inferior border of the soft palate to the superior aspect of the epiglottis.Formed by the cartilaginous portion of the medial end of the eustachian tube.
The pharynx plays a role in deglutition, vocalization, and air conduction. from the uvula to the level of the hyoid bone), and the laryngopharynx (extending approx. from the base of the skull to the soft palate), the oropharynx (extending approx. It is divided into the nasopharynx (extending approx. The pharynx is a musculomembranous cavity that connects the oral and nasal cavities to the larynx and esophagus.