Organ
Laryngopharynx
The pharyngeal passage beside and behind the larynx
High-yield
The piriform recesses flank the larynx, whereas the postcricoid region lies behind it. The cricoid's inferior border, conventionally near C6, marks the transition to the esophagus.
Overview
Also called the hypopharynx, this lower pharyngeal region connects the oropharynx with the cervical esophagus. The laryngeal inlet opens into its front, with a piriform recess on either side. Its lower end reaches the inferior cricoid border, where the upper esophageal sphincter region regulates entry into the esophagus.
Reference facts
- Location
- Behind and beside the larynx, from approximately the epiglottic/hyoid region to the inferior cricoid border. Anatomical and clinical descriptions use slightly different upper boundaries.
- Parts
- Right and left piriform recesses, posterior pharyngeal wall and postcricoid region.
- Blood supply
- Branches of the ascending pharyngeal and superior and inferior thyroid arteries.
- Innervation
- Vagal branches supply most muscle and much lower-pharyngeal sensation. Pharyngeal-plexus fibers and internal laryngeal branches contribute; cricopharyngeus has additional laryngeal-nerve input.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Venous blood reaches the pharyngeal plexus and internal jugular system. Lymph reaches deep cervical nodes, with retropharyngeal and paratracheal pathways depending on the subsite.
- Function
- Conducts air toward the laryngeal inlet and transfers a swallowed bolus around the protected larynx toward the esophagus.
Clinical correlation
A Zenker diverticulum projects posteriorly through a weak region between thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus. Difficulty opening the upper esophageal sphincter contributes to its formation. Retained material can cause dysphagia, regurgitation or aspiration.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the laryngopharynx located?
Behind and beside the larynx, from approximately the epiglottic/hyoid region to the inferior cricoid border. Anatomical and clinical descriptions use slightly different upper boundaries.
What does the laryngopharynx do?
Conducts air toward the laryngeal inlet and transfers a swallowed bolus around the protected larynx toward the esophagus.
What are the parts of the laryngopharynx?
The parts of the laryngopharynx are the right and left piriform recesses, posterior pharyngeal wall and postcricoid region.
What is the blood supply of the laryngopharynx?
Branches of the ascending pharyngeal and superior and inferior thyroid arteries.