Pharynx MCQs

Between the middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles, the internal laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal artery and vein pass through. Lastly, below the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior laryngeal artery pass through. Reference: Textbook of Gray's Anatomy for students, 3rd Edition, Head and neck, Page number - 1048

Areas innervated by Glossopharyngeal nerve are : Circumvallate papillae Posterior 1/3rd of tongue Palatoglossus arches The oropharynx Reference: Textbook of Gray's Anatomy for students, 3rd Edition, Head and neck, Page number - 645

The lingual tonsil refers to the numerous lymphoid nodules located within the submucosa of the posterior third of the tongue. It forms the inferior aspect of the Waldeyer's ring. This tonsil is responsible for the irregular appearance of the posterior tongue surface. Like the rest of the tongue, the lingual tonsil is covered by stratified, non-keratinised, squamous epithelium. Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students: Volume 2, 3rd Edition, Page number-1048.

Explanation: The superior constrictor muscle is formed by fibres arising from the glossopharyngeus and mylopharyngeus These fibres contribute to the uppermost circular layer of the pharyngeal musculature. Superior Constrictor Muscle Origins: Pterygopharyngeus: From pterygoid hamulus Buccopharyngeus: From pterygomandibular raphe Mylopharyngeus: From medial surface of mandible near mylohyoid line Glossopharyngeus: From side of posterior tongue Middle Constrictor: From hyoid bone and stylohyoid ligament Inferior Constrictor: Thyropharyngeus: From thyroid cartilage Cricopharyngeus: From cricoid cartilage

Explanation: The tracheoesophageal groove lies between the inferior constrictor and the oesophagus , and it contains the recurrent laryngeal nerve along with the inferior laryngeal vessels . Any narrowing in this groove is most likely to compress or injure these structures. Gaps in the Pharyngeal Wall: Between skull base and superior constrictor (Sinus of Morgagni): Auditory tube, levator palati, ascending palatine artery Between superior and middle constrictor: Stylopharyngeus, glossopharyngeal nerve Between middle and inferior constrictor: Internal laryngeal nerve, superior laryngeal vessels (Options A, C & D) Between inferior constrictor and oesophagus (Tracheoesophageal groove): Recurrent laryngeal nerve Inferior laryngeal vessels These structures are essential for phonation, airway protection, and mucosal blood supply.

The left bronchus crosses the esophagus at 28 cm from the upper incisor teeth. Normally esophagus shows 4 constrictions at the following levels measured from upper incisors: Junction of the esophagus with cricopharynx (15 cm from the incisor teeth) Crossed by arch of aorta (23 cm from the incisor teeth) Crossed by left bronchus (28 cm from the incisor teeth) It pierces the diaphragm (40 cm from the incisor teeth) Reference-Textbook of Gray's Anatomy for students, 3rd Edition, Thorax, Page number - 127

Ans. is 'b' i.e., Anterior wall The middle ear is shaped like a cube. When seen in the coronal section, the cavity of the middle ear is biconcave. The boundaries of the middle ear are as follows :