Organ
Nasopharynx
Pharyngeal airway behind the nose
High-yield
The pharyngeal recess lies behind the tubal elevation, or torus tubarius. The auditory tubes connect this region with the middle ears.
Overview
Above the soft palate, the pharynx connects the choanae with the rest of the airway. Its roof contains adenoid tissue, and its lateral walls contain the auditory tube openings. Much of its lining is respiratory epithelium, with regional squamous areas. Palatal elevation separates it from the mouth-facing pharynx during swallowing.
Reference facts
- Location
- Behind the nasal cavities, between the skull base and soft palate.
- Parts
- Adenoid-bearing roof and posterior wall; lateral auditory tube openings, torus tubarius, salpingopharyngeal folds and pharyngeal recesses.
- Blood supply
- Contributions from ascending pharyngeal, maxillary pharyngeal and facial ascending palatine branches.
- Innervation
- Sensation mainly through V2, with IX contributions posteriorly. Vagus supplies most related pharyngeal and palatal muscles; tensor veli palatini receives V3.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Pharyngeal veins communicate with the internal jugular system; lymph reaches retropharyngeal and upper deep cervical nodes.
- Function
- Passage of air and nasal secretions; auditory tube opening supports middle-ear ventilation and pressure regulation.
Clinical correlation
Enlarged adenoids can contribute to nasal obstruction and middle-ear fluid. Nasopharyngeal cancer may present with cervical lymph nodes or unilateral ear symptoms, so a nasal complaint is not required.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nasopharynx located?
Behind the nasal cavities, between the skull base and soft palate.
What does the nasopharynx do?
Passage of air and nasal secretions; auditory tube opening supports middle-ear ventilation and pressure regulation.
What are the parts of the nasopharynx?
Adenoid-bearing roof and posterior wall; lateral auditory tube openings, torus tubarius, salpingopharyngeal folds and pharyngeal recesses.
What is the blood supply of the nasopharynx?
The nasopharynx is supplied by the contributions from ascending pharyngeal, maxillary pharyngeal and facial ascending palatine branches.