nasopharynx

Examples of nasopharynx in the following topics:

• Pharynx

  • The nasopharynx is the upper region of the pharynx.
  • The nasopharynx connects to the eustachian tubes of the middle ear, which allows the nasopharynx to help balance pressure within the ear.
  • However, it also allows infections to spread easily between the nasopharynx and ear.
  • The adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils) are a mass of lymphatic tissue found in the roof of the nasopharynx.
  • Unlike the nasopharynx and oropharynx, there are no tonsils in the laryngopharynx.

• Pharynx

  • The nasopharynx is the most cephalad (toward the head) portion of the pharynx.
  • Polyps or mucus can obstruct the nasopharynx, as can congestion due to an upper respiratory infection.
  • The eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the pharynx and open into the nasopharynx.
  • The anterior portion of the nasopharynx connects with the nasal cavities through openings known as choanae.
  • The posterior wall of the nasopharynx holds the pharyngeal tonsils, which can be especially marked in childhood.

• Tonsils

  • The tubal tonsils are located in the wall of the nasopharynx near the entrance to each Eustachian tube.
  • For example, the adenoids and tubal tonsils are covered with the ciliated psuedostratified columnar epithelium of the nasopharynx, while the palatine and lingual tonsils are made up of the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of the oropharynx.

• Nose and Paranasal Sinuses

  • The most important function is the sinuses' role in draining mucus from the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx, which helps regulate pressure inside the nasal cavity.
  • Air flows in through the nasal passage on the right and out through the nasopharynx on the posterior side.

• Tonsillectomy

  • A mouth gag is used to prop the mouth open; if an adenoidectomy is also being performed, the adenoids are first removed with a curette; the nasopharynx is then packed with sterile gauze.

• Digestion in the Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus

  • The nasopharynx lies behind the nasal cavity and, like the nasal passages, is lined with ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium.

• Skin and Mucosae (Surface Barriers)

  • The mucosal epithelium in the nasopharynx is psuedostratified and ciliated, which helps accumulate and remove mucus.

• Structures Used in Voice Production

  • Resonance: The structures of the upper respiratory tract—particularly the soft palate of the mouth, the nasopharynx, and the paranasal sinuses—resonate and amplify the vibration of the vocal folds, making the sound louder and changing its tone.