What is the oropharyngeal isthmus?

The oropharyngeal isthmus, a.k.a. isthmus of fauces, is the relative constriction of the anterior oropharynx that borders the oral cavity. The isthmus is sometimes described as the passage that transitions between the oral cavity and pharynx, but strictly speaking, it is part of the oropharynx.

Where is the pharyngeal isthmus?

isthmus of pharynx passage posterior to the soft palate by which the nasopharynx and oropharynx communicate (i.e., the junction of nasopharynx and oropharynx), closed during swallowing by elevation of the soft palate and contraction of the posterior fascicle of palatopharyngeus (muscle), forming a Passavant cushion.

What closes the oropharyngeal isthmus?

Each palatoglossal arch runs downwards, laterally and forwards, from the soft palate to the side of the tongue. The approximation of the arches due to the contraction of the palatoglossal muscles constricts the isthmus, and is essential to swallowing (deglutition).

What is the medical term for oropharynx?

Listen to pronunciation. (OR-oh-FAYR-inx) The part of the throat at the back of the mouth behind the oral cavity. It includes the back third of the tongue, the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, and the tonsils.

What is the function of the isthmus of the Fauces?

Each palatoglossal arch runs downwards, laterally and forwards, from the soft palate to the side of the tongue. The approximation of the arches due to the contraction of the palatoglossal muscles constricts the isthmus, and is essential to swallowing (deglutition)….

What does the Faucial pillars do?

The right and left palatoglossus muscles create ridges in the lateral pharyngeal wall, referred to as the palatoglossal arches (anterior faucial pillars). These pillars separate the oral cavity and the oropharynx — the muscle functions as an antagonist to the levator veli palatini muscle.

What is located in the oropharynx between the anterior and posterior Faucial pillars?

(Simply the tonsils). Consist of lymphoepithelial tissue and are found between the anterior and posterior faucial pillars on both sides. Is the opening from the oral cavity to the pharynx and is bordered superiorly by the velum, laterally by the faucial pillars, and inferiorly by the base of the tongue.

What is anterior pillar?

The anterior pillars are formed by the palato-glossus muscles. The blood supply comes from a branch of the descending palatine artery and is returned by the inferior palatine vein from a plexus surrounding the tonsil, and from the pillars and soft palate into the deep facial vein.

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