Pharynx (Human Anatomy): Image, Function, Diseases, and Treatments

The pharynx is a conducting structure in the neck's midline. It is the primary structure shared by two organ systems, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the respiratory system, in addition to the mouth cavity.

It is funnel-shaped, with the top end broader and just below the lower surface of the skull, and the lower end narrower and at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra.

It is divided into three sections, all of which extend from the skull base to the oesophagus. The first is known as the Nasopharynx, and it extends from the skull base to the hard palate. The second or middle section is known as the Oropharynx, and it is confined to the oesophagus. From the hard palate to the hyoid bone

The hypopharynx begins at the hyoid bone and ends at the oesophagus. Other portions of the pharynx are known as the Nasopharynx/Epipharynx, Eustachian Tube, and Torus Tubarius, which are Cartilaginous Protrusions. On the posterolateral wall, they also have Adenoids, which are lymphoid tissue.

In embryonic life, the presence of the Nasopharyngeal bursa at the midline recess reflects the attachment of the Notochord.

• Adenoid Hypertrophy: The adenoid tonsil, also known as the Nasopharyngeal tonsil, is a collection of lymphoid tissue located at the confluence of the roof and anterior wall of the nasopharynx.
• Angiofibroma: It is the most frequent benign nasopharyngeal tumour. It is a harmless but locally invasive tumour. It is sometimes referred to as nasopharyngeal fibroma.
• Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: The most prevalent kind of nasopharyngeal cancer is carcinoma. It is a squamous cell carcinoma (please keep in mind that the lining of the nasopharynx is comparable to the lining of the paranasal sinuses, nose, larynx, and bronchi, being pseudostratified ciliated columnar, and that squamous cell carcinomas are most usually seen in these areas).
• Peritonsillar Abscess/Quinsy: The peritonsillar space is the area just lateral to the tonsil capsule. Specifically, between the tonsil capsule and the superior constrictor muscle.
• Parapharyngeal Abscess: The abscess in parapharyngeal abscess is located just lateral to the lateral pharyngeal wall in the parapharyngeal or pharyngo-maxillary gap.
• Ludwig's Angina: Infection of the sublingual area causes pain in the floor of the mouth, as well as problems eating and speaking. The infection of the submaxillary and submental space manifests as tense swelling and oedema) with a woody feel of the skin of the neck below the chin and mandible (owing to the tense nature of this region) and trismus (trismus here is due to the tense mass below the mandible).
• Retropharyngeal Abscess: The retropharyngeal space is located between the buccopharyngeal fascia anteriorly and the alar fascia posteriorly, as described in the second chapter on pharyngeal anatomy. It is split longitudinally by a fibrous raphe in the midline into two paramedian spaces known as Gillette spaces, which contain lymph nodes known as Rouviere nodes. These lymph nodes are drained through the nasopharynx and oropharynx.
• Pharyngeal Pouch: Pharyngeal pouch or diverticulum arises when there is neuromuscular incoordination when swallowing and the muscles above the cricopharyngeal sphincter contract to drive food down but the sphincter does not open. Pressure is administered above the cricopharyngeal sphincter and at a region of pharyngeal wall weakness. pharynx outpouching.

• Throat (Pharynx) Swab: A professional rubs the tonsils and back of the throat with a cotton swab and sends the sample to a lab for examination. It determines if Streptococcus caused the infection.
• Monospot Test: Antibodies are created in response to bacterial or viral disease. Antibodies combat infections. Blood tests can help find the needed antibodies. Presence of these antibodies indicates or demonstrates mononucleosis symptoms.
• Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies: If the monospot test is negative, another test may detect mononucleosis. Blood test for Epstein-barr virus antibodies.
• Tongue Test Biopsy: Use in the detection of oral cancer. Checking the tissue from the questionable region of the tongue is part of the process.
• Flavor Discrimination Test: The use of these four distinct sweeteners allows for an accurate assessment of both the taste and the aroma.
• Panendoscopy: In this procedure, several endoscopes of varying varieties are utilised in order to locate a variety of disorders that might affect the oral cavity as well as the nasopharyngeal area.
• Exfoliative Cytology: During this stage of the procedure, infectious tissue is removed by scraping and then smearing onto glass slides. The purpose of staining is to examine for aberrant spots. If an aberrant region is discovered, a biopsy of the cell will be performed.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Similar to X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to investigate the intricate structure of soft tissues, particularly those located in the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal regions.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): An injection of FDG sugar is made into the blood, and an examination of malignant tissue in the oropharyngeal area follows.

• Electrocautery: Through cauterization, electrocautery burns the tonsillar tissue while also assisting in lowering blood loss. According to research, the heat of electrocautery (400 degrees Celsius) causes thermal harm to surrounding tissue. This may cause extra discomfort throughout the recovery time.
• Harmonic Scalpel: This medical instrument vibrates its blade at a rapid pace using ultrasonic radiation. The vibration, which is invisible to the human eye, delivers energy to the tissue, allowing for simultaneous cutting and coagulation. The surrounding tissue temperature exceeds 80 degrees Celsius.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (Somnoplasty): Radiofrequency monopolar Through probes implanted in the tonsil, thermal ablation delivers radiofrequency radiation to tonsil tissue. The technique can be done in the office with minimal sedation or local anaesthetic. Scarring develops within the tonsil after the procedure.
• Laser Tonsil Ablation (LTA): This method decreases tonsil volume and removes infection-prone recesses. This surgery is advised for chronic sore throats, halitosis, and airway blockage caused by swollen tonsils. Under local anaesthesia, the LTA takes 15 to 20 minutes in the office. The patient returns to school or job the next day with minimal discomfort.
• Microdebrider: The microdebrider is a motorised rotary shaver with continuous suction that is frequently used during sinus surgery. It consists of a cannula or tube attached to a handpiece, which is then attached to a motor with foot control and a suction device.
• Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation (Coblation): This method creates an ionised saline layer that destroys molecular connections without the need of heat. Ionic dissociation happens as energy is delivered to the tissue. This method can be utilised to remove the tonsil completely or partially. It is performed in the operating room under general anaesthesia and can be used to treat swollen tonsils as well as chronic or recurring infections.

• Steroids: For reducing inflammation of Pharynx: Drugs with anti-inflammatory properties work by preventing the recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to areas of cellular and tissue injury, hence reducing inflammation, especially in the region of pharynx. Methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone are examples of effective corticosteroids.
• Analgesics for pain in pharynx: To alleviate the pain and inflammation of the oropharyngeal region whic also comes in form of nasal and oral sprays, analgesics such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can be used. Naproxen and paracetamol are two other types of analgesics.
• Muscle relaxants for stiffness in pharynx: In the case of tense muscles of oropharyngeal region and also vocal cords, a doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant such as metaxalone, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, or carisoprodol.
• Antibiotics for infection in pharynx: In order to effectively treat illnesses such as scarlet fever and other bacterial infections that might affect the tongue, nose and oropharyngeal region Antibiotics are an absolute need. Amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole etc are the Antibiotics that are used most frequently.
• Antivirals for treating infection of Pharynx: Seltamivir or inhaled zanamivir are the Antiviral drugs that are known for treating rhinitis and other forms of rhinovirus infection. These drugs are typically prescribed for five days for the treatment of nasal congestion. Alternatively, one dose of intravenous peramivir or oral Baloxavir may be administered for one day.
• Supplements for reducing pain in Pharynx: As a kind of medication, nutritional supplements include things like vitamin B complex, cyanocobalamine, and lycopene.