What is the pharyngeal plexus made up of?

The pharyngeal plexus sends some branches between the middle and inferior constrictors and other branches between the superior and middle constrictors 4,6. It is formed by the pharyngeal branches from the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves and the cervical sympathetic 3-7.

What does the pharyngeal plexus do?

The pharyngeal plexus provides sensory innervation of the oropharynx and laryngopharynx from CN IX and CN X. (The nasopharynx above the pharyngotympanic tube and the torus tubarius is innervated by CN V2).

Which cranial nerve is affected in dysphagia?

Vagal Nerve Injury and Vocal Cord Paralysis Symptoms often include dysphagia, primarily with liquid, weak voice, and poor cough. Of more significance is vagal nerve injury at or near the skull base.

How pharyngeal plexus is formed?

The pharyngeal plexus, which mainly overlies the middle pharyngeal constrictor, is formed by: Pharyngeal branches from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). Pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X). Branches from the external laryngeal nerve.

What are the 3 divisions of the pharynx?

Inferiorly, it opens into the larynx and esophagus. The pharynx is divided into three regions according to location: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx (hypopharynx). The nasopharynx is the portion of the pharynx that is posterior to the nasal cavity and extends inferiorly to the uvula.

Does food pass through the pharynx?

Also called the throat, the pharynx is the portion of the digestive tract that receives the food from your mouth. Branching off the pharynx is the esophagus, which carries food to the stomach, and the trachea or windpipe, which carries air to the lungs.

What problems can dysphagia cause?

Dysphagia can sometimes lead to further problems. One of the most common problems is coughing or choking, when food goes down the “wrong way” and blocks your airway. This can lead to chest infections, such as aspiration pneumonia, which require urgent medical treatment.

Can thyroid problems cause dysphagia?

Patients with thyroid disease may develop dysphagia as a result of direct compression of the swallowing organs by an enlarged thyroid gland, invasion or nerve involvement by thyroid carcinoma, or as an unintended consequence of treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Does the pharynx come before the esophagus?

The pharynx, or throat, is the passageway leading from the mouth and nose to the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx permits the passage of swallowed solids and liquids into the esophagus, or gullet, and conducts air to and from the trachea, or windpipe, during respiration.

What is difference between esophagus and pharynx?

The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. The esophagus is about 8 inches long, and is lined by moist pink tissue called mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the windpipe (trachea) and heart, and in front of the spine.

Is the pharyngeal plexus part of the larynx?

The pharyngeal plexus is a network of nerve fibers innervating most of the palate and pharynx. (Larynx, which is innervated by superior and recurrent laryngeal nerve from vagus nerve (CN X), is not included). It is located on the surface of the middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle.

Is there a right side pharyngeal plexus injury?

Unilateral right sided pharyngeal plexus injury has been reported following use of an orophryngeal pack during third molar surgery in which the patient exhibited sensory loss over the right side of the pharynx, soft palate, and posterior third of the tongue and weakness of the right side of the pharynx and soft palate without vocal cord injury 7.

What are the nerves involved in the pharyngeal phase?

The pharyngeal phase starts by action of the pharyngeal plexus, composed of the glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X) and accessory (XI) nerves, with involvement of the trigeminal (V), facial (VII), glossopharyngeal (IX) and the hypoglossal (XII) nerves.

Where is the plexus of the vagus nerve located?

It is located on the surface of the middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle. Although the Terminologia Anatomica name of the plexus has “vagus nerve” in the title, other nerves make contributions to the plexus.