Logo

    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Splenic Flexure
    Bend between transverse and descending colon.
    Body of Pancreas
    Central elongated portion of pancreas.
    Rectum
    Straight section of the colon leading to anus.
    Common Hepatic Duct
    Carries bile from liver to bile duct.
    Jejunum
    Second portion of the small intestine.
    Caudate Lobe
    Lobe of liver near inferior vena cava.
    Duodenum
    First portion of the small intestine.
    Round Ligament of Liver
    Remnant of fetal umbilical vein.
    Lingual Frenulum
    Fold of mucous membrane anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
    Major Duodenal Papilla
    Opening for bile and pancreatic ducts into duodenum.
    Haustra
    Pouch-like segments of colon.
    Ascending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the right side.
    External Anal Sphincter
    Voluntary muscle around anus.
    Nasopharynx
    Superior region of pharynx behind the nasal cavity.
    Quadrate Lobe
    Small lobe located between gallbladder and round ligament.
    Mesentery
    Fold of peritoneum anchoring intestines.
    Body
    Main central region of the stomach.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Esophagus
    Muscular tube conveying food from the pharynx to the stomach.
    Tail of Pancreas
    Tapered end of pancreas near spleen.
    Right Lobe
    Larger functional lobe of the liver.
    Epiploic Appendages
    Fat-filled pouches attached to colon.
    Left Lobe
    Smaller lobe of the liver.
    Soft Palate
    Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.
    Sublingual Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the tongue.

    Laryngopharynx

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Lower part of pharynx leading to esophagus.

    Overview

    The laryngopharynx, also known as the hypopharynx, is the most inferior portion of the pharynx. It serves as a shared pathway for both air and food, forming a crucial part of the interface between the respiratory and digestive systems. During swallowing, it functions as a conduit that guides ingested material from the oropharynx to the esophagus while preventing aspiration into the larynx.

    Location

    The laryngopharynx is located in the posterior neck

    • From the level of the epiglottis down to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage

    • Posterior to the larynx, including the vocal cords and trachea

    • Anterior to the prevertebral fascia and vertebral column

    It continues inferiorly as the esophagus, marking the transition from the pharynx to the digestive tract proper.

    Structure

    The laryngopharynx has the typical three-layer structure of the pharynx:

    • Mucosa: Lined with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium adapted for abrasion from food boluses

    • Muscular layer: Formed by the middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles, which assist in swallowing

    • Adventitia: Loose connective tissue that blends with surrounding fascia and tissues

    It contains the piriform recesses on either side of the laryngeal inlet—important structures where food may become temporarily lodged.

    Function

    The main functions of the laryngopharynx include:

    • Conduit for food and air: Directs swallowed food toward the esophagus and air toward the larynx and trachea

    • Protection of the airway: Works with the epiglottis and laryngeal reflexes to prevent aspiration during swallowing

    • Swallowing coordination: Acts in conjunction with oropharynx and upper esophageal sphincter to move food downward via muscular contractions

    Physiological Role(s)

    In addition to its role in directing food and air, the laryngopharynx participates in:

    • Swallowing reflex: Triggered by bolus contact with pharyngeal receptors, leading to sequential contraction of constrictor muscles

    • Speech resonance: Its open chamber contributes to vocal tone and resonance during phonation

    • Sensory monitoring: Innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X) via its pharyngeal and superior laryngeal branches for sensory feedback and reflexive airway protection

    Clinical Significance

    Several conditions and procedures involve the laryngopharynx:

    • Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR): Reflux of stomach acid reaching the laryngopharynx can cause chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness

    • Dysphagia: Disorders of laryngopharyngeal muscle coordination or sensation can lead to difficulty swallowing and risk of aspiration

    • Foreign body lodgment: Food or objects may get stuck in the piriform recess, sometimes requiring endoscopic removal

    • Laryngopharyngeal cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma in this region is strongly associated with tobacco and alcohol use; symptoms may include dysphagia, odynophagia, or ear pain (referred via CN X)

    • Vocal changes: Mass effect or nerve involvement in the laryngopharynx may affect voice quality due to proximity to the vocal cords

    • Swallow studies: The laryngopharynx is evaluated in modified barium swallow tests to assess aspiration risk and swallowing mechanics

    Understanding the anatomy and function of the laryngopharynx is essential in ENT, speech-language pathology, gastroenterology, and emergency airway management.

    Did you know? The pancreas helps with digestion by releasing enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.