Lymphatic pharyngeal ring (Waldeyer-Pirogov ring), consisting of pharyngeal, 2 tubal, 2 palatine, lingual tonsils and lymphoid tissue back wall pharynx, before birth and in the first months after birth, it is poorly developed. In the postnatal period, the tonsils undergo a number of changes.
In newborns, the tonsils are underdeveloped and functionally inactive. The palatine tonsils are not yet fully developed, forming follicles are visible in them, and development takes a long time.
The main part of the lymphoid ring of the pharynx consists of 2-4 thin folds of the mucous membrane of the anterior part of the tonsils, running in the sagittal plane, and 6 in the posterior part, shorter and slightly bent anteriorly, located in the frontal plane. Presented at birth in the form of small spherical clusters of lymphocytes. “Reactive centers” appear in them in the first 2-3 months of life. The final development of follicles is completed in the first 6 months of a child’s life, and sometimes by the end of the 1st year. The average size of the pharyngeal tonsil is normally 7x4x2 mm in newborns.
In children infancy active development of the lymphoid ring begins.
Differentiation of the follicles of the palatine tonsils occurs earlier, at 5-6 months of life, since after birth the body immediately begins to be exposed to bacteria and toxic substances that stimulate the formation of follicles.
Adenoids form more actively than other tonsils. The folds of the mucous membrane thicken and lengthen, taking on the appearance of ridges, between which grooves are clearly visible. The average size of the tonsil: after 3 months 10x7x4 mm and after 1 year 11x8x5 mm, the tonsil reaches full development by 2-3 years.
In children of the 1st year of life, the nasopharyngeal cavity is low and acute-angled, and therefore even a slight enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil can significantly disrupt nasal breathing.
Microscopically, the structure of the tonsils in fetuses, newborns and infants is different.
In fruits covering epithelium mucous membrane multirow cylindrical. In the subepithelial layer, lymphoid tissue is located in a thin strip consisting mainly of lymphoblasts, small and medium-sized lymphocytes. The reticular stroma is quite well defined. Blood vessels are filled with blood.
In newborns, the integumentary epithelium is multirowed cylindrical. There are few furrows, they are shallow. In the underlying tissue, lymphoid cellular elements such as small and medium lymphocytes are diffusely located, many blood vessels and mucous glands.
The development of the palatine tonsil begins with the formation of folds of the mucous membrane, which are penetrated by lymphoid tissue.
The lingual tonsil develops due to the accumulation of lymphoid tissue at the root of the tongue.
After birth, the tonsil tissue is in a constant state of irritation.
In children in the first half of life, well-defined follicles with clear boundaries are already visible; The integumentary epithelium of the tonsils is multilayered flat, with sections of multirow cylindrical.
In children older than 6 months, in the subepithelial tissue there are relatively many mature lymphoid follicles of various sizes and shapes with well-defined “reactive centers”. They are usually located around the furrows. There are many blood vessels among the lymphoid cells and in the connective tissue stroma.
At an early age, the pharyngeal tonsil is covered with multirow cylindrical ciliated epithelium, in older children and adults - flat epithelium.
The palatine tonsils reach full development in the 2nd year of life. The lacunae of the palatine tonsils in young children are deep, narrow at the mouth, densely branched, often extending to the capsule. The lacunae are not always directed deep into the tonsils; sometimes they turn sharply and go under the integumentary epithelium; the narrow passages of individual lacunae end in expansions. All this contributes to the occurrence of the inflammatory process.
In children over 5 years of age, hyperplasia of the follicles is observed, which are often separated from the surrounding lymphoid tissue.
Tubal tonsils reach their greatest development in childhood.
Children have less lymphoid tissue in the area of the tongue root than adults; The crypts of the lingual tonsil are smaller and less branched.
In children early age between the prevertebral aponeurosis and the muscles of the pharynx, from the arch of the nasopharynx to the entrance to the esophagus, between the two leaves of the aponeurosis, the retropharyngeal muscles are located in a chain The lymph nodes and loose connective tissue on both sides of the spine. These nodes are regional to the posterior parts of the nose, nasopharynx and tympanic cavity. Their suppuration leads to the formation of a retropharyngeal abscess.
In the area of the nasopharynx, the retropharyngeal space is divided into two halves by a ligament, so retropharyngeal abscesses in the upper parts of the pharynx are often unilateral.
After 4-5 years, these lymph nodes atrophy, and therefore retropharyngeal lymphadenitis does not occur in older children and adults.
For children younger age characterized by hypertrophy (age-related evolution) of lymphoid tissue. Enlarged tonsils are caused by hypertrophy lymphoid follicles, as well as an increase in their number.
Tonsils reach their greatest size by 5-7 years. At this age, children experience the highest incidence of infectious diseases and an increased need for protection against infections. At the same age, children undergo the most larger number preventive vaccinations, which mobilize all lymphoid tissue to produce immunity. Hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue is due to intensive formation active immunity with local production of antibodies during endo- or exogenous penetration of an infectious agent into the lymphoid tissue of the pharynx.
As antibodies accumulate in the body and improve immune system after 9-10 years, the child begins age-related involution of lymphoid tissue with partial degeneration and replacement with fibrous, connective tissue. The size of the tonsils decreases, and by the age of 16-20, small remnants of them usually remain, sometimes they completely disappear due to atrophy of the lymphoid tissue. During this period, a thin peripheral belt of mature lymphocytes appears, and the number of reticular cells in the center of the tonsils increases.
Lymphatic pharyngeal ring(Waldeyer-Pirogov ring), consisting
consisting of pharyngeal, 2 tubal, 2 palatine, lingual tonsils and lymphoid
tissue of the posterior pharyngeal wall, before birth and in the first months after birth
poorly developed. In the postnatal period, the tonsils undergo a number of changes
In newborns tonsils are underdeveloped and functionally inactive. Sky
tonsils are not yet fully developed, they reveal emerging
follicles, and development takes a long time.
The main part of the lymphoid ring of the pharynx consists of 2-4 thin folds
mucous membrane of the anterior part of the tonsils, running in the sagittal plane
bones, and 6 in the back, shorter and slightly curved anteriorly,
located in the frontal plane. Presented at birth in
in the form of small spherical clusters of lymphocytes. "Reactive Centers"
CHILDREN'S ENTRY AND LARYNGOLOGY
Chapter 4
they occur in the first 2-3 months of life. Final development of the follicle
fishing ends in the first 6 months of a child’s life, and sometimes by the end of the 1st year.
The normal average size of the pharyngeal tonsil in newborns is
7x4x2 mm.
In infants active development of the lymphoid ring begins.
Differentiation of the follicles of the palatine tonsils occurs earlier, at the 5th-6th
month of life, since after birth the body immediately begins to undergo
protect against the action of bacteria and toxic substances that stimulate the formation of
tion of follicles.
Adenoids are formed more actively than other tonsils. Folds of mucous membrane
the lobes thicken, lengthen, taking on the appearance of rollers, between which
the grooves are clearly visible. Average size of tonsil: after 3 months 10x7x4 mm
and after 1 year 11x8x5 mm, the tonsil reaches full development by 2 - 3 years.
In children of the 1st year of life, the nasopharyngeal cavity is low and acute-angled, in
due to which even a slight increase in the pharyngeal tonsil can significantly
significantly disrupt nasal breathing.
Microscopic structure of the tonsils in fetuses, newborns and children
infancy is different.
U fruits cover epithelium of the mucous membrane multirow cylinder
ric. IN subepithelial layer, lymphoid tissue is located in the form
a thin strip consisting mainly of lymphoblasts, small and medium
lymphocytes. Quite well expressed reticular stroma. Krovenos
These vessels are filled with blood.
U newborns cover epithelium multirow cylindrical. Bo
There are few spores, they are shallow. IN underlying tissue diffusely located
lymphatic cellular elements such as small and medium lymphocytes, many
blood vessels and mucous glands.
Development tonsil begins with the formation of folds of the mucosa
membranes that are penetrated by lymphatic tissue.
Lingual tonsil develops due to the accumulation of lymphatic tissue in
root of the tongue.
After birth, the tonsil tissue is in a state of constant
irritation.
U children in the first half of life well-defined
follicles with clear boundaries; covering epithelium of the tonsils multilayered
ny flat, with sections of multi-row cylindrical.
U children over 6 months in subepithelial tissue is observed relatively
many mature lymphoid follicles of various sizes and shapes with good
sho pronounced “reactive centers”. They are usually located about
circle of furrows Among lymphatic cells and in connective tissue tissue
many blood vessels.
IN At an early age, the pharyngeal tonsil is covered with multi-row cylinders
ciliated epithelium, in older children and adults -
flat epithelium.
Palatine tonsils reach full development in the 2nd year of life. Lakush
palatine tonsils in young children are deep, narrow at the mouth, dense in
curly, often extending to the capsule. Gaps do not always guide -
|
|
Diseases of the pharynx
extending into the depths of the tonsils, sometimes they turn sharply and go under the cover
ny epithelium; the narrow passages of individual lacunae end in expansions.
All this contributes to the occurrence of the inflammatory process.
In children over 5 years of age, hyperplasia of the follicles is observed, which is often
they appear to be separated from the surrounding lymphatic tissue.
Tubal tonsils reach their greatest development in childhood.
Children have less lymphatic tissue in the area of the tongue root than adults;
crypts lingual tonsil smaller and less branched.
In young children, between the prevertebral aponeurosis and the muscle
from the pharynx from the roof of the nasopharynx to the entrance to the esophagus between the two layers
aponeurosis arranged in a chain retropharyngeal lymph nodes And
loose connective tissue on both sides of the spine. These nodes are
are regional for the posterior parts of the nose, nasopharynx and tympanic
loss. Their suppuration leads to the formation of a retropharyngeal abscess.
In the area of the nasopharynx, the retropharyngeal space is divided into two by a ligament
half, so retropharyngeal abscesses in the upper parts of the pharynx are more common
Ut one-way.
After 4-5 years, these lymph nodes atrophy, and therefore in children
In older age and adults, retropharyngeal lymphadenitis does not occur.
Young children are characterized by hypertrophy (age evolution
tion) lymphatic tissue. Enlarged tonsils are caused by hypertrophy
lymphoid follicles, as well as an increase in their number.
Tonsils reach their greatest size by 5-7 years. In this age
Children have the highest infectious morbidity and increased
need for protection against infections. IN At the same age, children spend the most
a greater number of preventive vaccinations that mobilize the entire lymphatic system
foid tissue for the production of immunity. Hypertrophy of lymphatic tissue
due to the intensive formation of active immunity with local
the production of antibodies during the endo- or exogenous route of infection
tion agent into the lymphoid tissue of the pharynx.
As antibodies accumulate in the body and the immune system improves,
system after 9-10 years the child begins age-related involution of lymphoid
fabrics with its partial degeneration and replacement with fibrous, connective.
The size of the tonsils decreases, and by the age of 16-20 they are usually not retained.
large remnants, sometimes they completely disappear due to lymphoid atrophy
fabrics. During this period, a thin peripheral belt of mature ligaments appears
phocytes, the number of reticular cells in the center of the tonsils increases.
CONGENAL ANOMALIES OF THE PHARYNGE
Etiology. If fetal development is disrupted, individual elements form
that form the pharynx and face, fuse incompletely or do not fuse at all. Possible
we have a partial absence of soft or hard palate, gaps in the palatine arches
or soft palate, splitting of the uvula in the midline. In the pear area
prominent pockets; less commonly, diverti may develop in the area of the palatine tonsils
lumps and cysts.
CHILDREN'S ENTRY AND LARYNGOLOGY
Chapter 4
Classification.
1. Congenital choanal atresia.
2. Cleft lip (“cleft lip”):
Defect one- And bilateral (on both sides of the embryonic intermaxillary
thin bone);
Defect partial (incomplete splitting upper lip in the form of a notch)
or full (gap in the entire thickness of the upper lip to the nose on the side of the middle lip
Research Institute), isolated or in combination with a cleft palate (“cleft palate”).
3. Double upper lip (ridge in the middle part of the upper lip).
4. Lip hypertrophy due to proliferation connective tissue and lim-
fovenous stasis.
5. Microstoma (narrowing of the mouth opening).
6. Language anomalies:
Small or big tongue(microglossia, macroglossia);
Cleft tongue (double or additional tongue);
Bridle that is too short or long;
Complete absence language;
Delay of ectopic lobule thyroid gland in the root area
7. Congenital cysts and fistulas of the neck:
- midline cysts and neck swishes are located along the midline of the neck on
level of the hyoid bone, closely connected with its periosteum;
- lateral cysts located anterior to the sternocleidomastoid
Clinical characteristic. At congenital atresia Joan maybe so
the closure of the mouth auditory tube. This developmental anomaly is usually accompanied by
exist high sky, a short tongue, often fused from the back walls
what a throat.
The most common anomalies include congenital deformity of the upper
lips (“cleft lip”). This is the result of a non-closure of the nasal sulcus.
(went between the middle nasal and maxillary processes of the embryo!.
Unilateral clefts are more common on the left and are more common
bilateral.
Usually at the same time as " cleft lip» a split is formed between
lateral incisor and canine, which may be limited to the edge of the alveolar
process or spread to the hard and soft palate, forming ""<шм
fall." This pathology has the following clinical manifestations.
Dysphagia syndrome causes choking and reflux of food into the cavity
nose when swallowing, a pronounced nasal sound subsequently leads to
speech formation disorder.
Difficulties arise when the baby sucks the breast. Usually when sucking
the soft palate descends and closes the oral cavity at the back, and the cavity at the front
mouth closed action t. orbicularis oris, lengthening baby's lips, coverage
sucking nipple. With a “cleft lip” the integrity t. orbicularis oris is violated
sucking becomes difficult or impossible. Children are spoon fed
or using a zoid. Aspiration syndrome leads to the development of reciprocal
dividing pneumonia.
Diseases of the pharynx
During puberty ectopic part of the thyroid gland V
area of the root of the tongue can cause swallowing problems (dysphagia) and
breathing (stenosis).
The child may develop articulation abnormalities due to protrusion
her (prognathia) or lower (progenia) jaw. Reasons affecting ano
The pharynx moves food into the digestive system and air into the respiratory system. The vocal cords work thanks to the larynx.
Pharynx
The pharynx has three parts - the nasopharynx, oropharynx and swallowing section.
Nasopharynx
Oropharynx
Swallowing department
Larynx
Opposite the cervical vertebrae (4-6 vertebrae). At the back is the immediate laryngeal part of the pharynx. In front, the larynx is formed thanks to a group of hyoid muscles. Above is the hyoid bone. From the side, the larynx is adjacent with its lateral parts to the thyroid gland.
Four muscles narrow the glottis: the thyroarytenoid, cricoarytenoid, oblique arytenoid and transverse muscles. Only one muscle widens the glottis - the posterior cricoarytenoid. She is a steam room. Two muscles tense the vocal cords: the vocal cord and the cricothyroid.
The larynx has an entrance.
Behind this entrance are the arytenoid cartilages. They consist of horn-shaped tubercles that are located on the side of the mucous membrane. In front is the epiglottis. On the sides there are aryepiglottic folds. They consist of wedge-shaped tubercles.
The vestibule stretches from the vestibular folds to the epiglottis, the folds are formed by the mucous membrane, and between these folds there is the vestibular fissure. The interventricular section is the narrowest. Stretches from the lower vocal cords to the upper ligaments of the vestibule. Its narrowest part is called the glottis, and it is created by intercartilaginous and membranous tissues. Subvocal area. Based on the name, it is clear that it is located below the glottis. The trachea expands and begins.
The larynx has three membranes:
The mucous membrane - unlike the vocal cords (they are made of squamous non-keratinizing epithelium) consists of multinucleated prismatic epithelium. Fibrous-cartilaginous membrane - consists of elastic and hyaline cartilages, which are surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, and provides this entire structure with the framework of the larynx. Connective tissue - the connecting part of the larynx and other formations of the neck.
Protective - the mucous membrane has ciliated epithelium, and it contains many glands. And if the food gets past, then the nerve endings carry out a reflex - a cough, which removes the food back from the larynx into the mouth. Respiratory - related to the previous function. The glottis can contract and expand, thereby directing air flow. Vocal-formative - speech, voice. The characteristics of the voice depend on the individual anatomical structure. and the condition of the vocal cords.
The picture shows the structure of the larynx
Laryngospasm Insufficient hydration of the vocal cords Tonsillitis Sore throat Laryngitis Laryngeal edema Pharyngitis Laryngeal stenosis Paratonsillitis Pharyngomycosis Retropharyngeal abscess Scleroma Parapharyngeal abscess Damaged throat Hypertrophied palatine tonsils Hypertrophied adenoids Injuries of the mucous membranes Burns of the mucous membranes Throat cancer Contusion Cartilage fracture T injury to the junction of the larynx and trachea Choking Laryngeal tuberculosis Diphtheria Acid intoxication Alkali intoxication Cellulitis
Smoking Smoke inhalation Inhalation of dusty air Acute respiratory infection Whooping cough Scarlet fever Influenza
The throat and larynx are important components of the body with a huge range of functions and a very complex structure. It is thanks to the throat and lungs that people breathe, the oral cavity is used for eating food, and also performs a communicative function. After all, we owe the ability to make articulate sounds to the mouth and tongue, and communication through speech is the main form of human communication.
How does the human throat work?
The anatomy of the throat is quite complex and interesting to study, not only for the purpose of general development. Knowledge about the structure of the throat helps to understand how to maintain its hygiene, why you need to take care of your throat, how to prevent the occurrence of diseases and effectively treat diseases if they occur.
The throat consists of the pharynx and larynx. The pharynx (pharynx) is responsible for moving air through the respiratory tract into the lungs and moving food from the mouth to the esophagus. The larynx (larynx) regulates the functioning of the vocal cords and ensures the production of speech and other sounds.
The throat is located in the area of the 4th and 6th cervical vertebrae and looks like a cone tapering towards the bottom. The throat begins from the hyoid bone and, going down, passes into the trachea. The upper part of this canal provides its strength, and the lower part connects to the larynx. The throat and pharynx merge in the oral cavity. Large vessels are located on the sides, and the pharynx is located at the back. The human throat contains the epiglottis, cartilage, and vocal cords.
The larynx is surrounded by nine hyaline cartilages, united by joints, that is, movable joints. The largest of the cartilages is the thyroid. It is formed from two parts, visually reminiscent of square plates. Their connection forms the Adam's apple, located on the front side of the larynx. The Adam's apple is the largest cartilage of the larynx. The quadrangular plates of cartilage in men are combined at almost an angle of 90 degrees, which is why the Adam's apple clearly protrudes on the neck. In women, the Adam's apple can be felt, but it is more difficult to distinguish it on the surface of the neck, since the plates are combined at an angle of more than 90 degrees. Two small cartilages extend from the outer side of each plate in both men and women. They contain an articular plate that connects to the cricoid cartilage.
The cricoid cartilage is shaped like a ring due to the arches on the sides and front. Its task is to provide a movable connection with the thyroid and arytenoid cartilage.
The arytenoid cartilage, which performs the speech function, consists of hyaline cartilage and elastic processes to which the vocal cords are attached. The epiglottic cartilage, located at the root of the tongue and visually similar to a leaf, also joins them.
The epiglottis, together with the epiglottic cartilage, performs a very important function - it separates the respiratory and digestive tracts. At the moment of direct swallowing of food, the “gate” to the larynx closes, so that food does not penetrate into the lungs and vocal cords.
The voice is also formed thanks to cartilage. Some of them provide tension to the throat ligaments, which affects the timbre of the voice. Others, arytenoid, pyramid-shaped, allow the movement of the vocal cords and regulate the size of the glottis. Its increase or decrease affects the volume of the voice. This system is limited to the vocal folds.
The difference in the structure of the throat of an adult and a child is insignificant and consists only in the fact that in infants all the cavities are smaller. Therefore, throat diseases in children, accompanied by severe swelling, threaten to block the access of air to the respiratory tract.
Women and children have shorter vocal cords than men. In infants, the larynx is wide but short, and is located three vertebrae higher. The timbre of the voice depends on the length of the larynx. During adolescence, the formation of the larynx is completed, and the voice of boys changes significantly.
The human pharynx consists of several parts. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
The nasopharynx is located behind the nasal cavity and is connected to it through openings - choanae. Below the nasopharynx passes into the middle pharynx, on the sides of which the auditory tubes are located. Its inner part consists of a mucous membrane completely covered with nerve endings, mucus-producing glands and capillaries. The main functions of the nasopharynx are to warm the air inhaled into the lungs, humidify it, and filter germs and dust. It is also thanks to the nasopharynx that we can recognize and smell odors.
The oral part is the middle fragment of the throat, consisting of the uvula and tonsils, bounded by the hyoid bone and palate. It connects to the mouth with the help of the tongue and ensures the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Tonsils perform a protective and hematopoietic function. The pharynx also contains the palatine tonsils, called tonsils or lymphoid collections. The tonsils produce immunoglobulin, a substance that can resist infections. The main function of the entire oropharynx is to deliver air to the bronchi and lungs.
The lower part of the pharynx is connected to the larynx and passes into the esophagus. It controls swallowing and breathing and is controlled by the lower part of the brain.
Functions of the throat and larynx
To summarize the above, the throat and larynx perform:
Protective function - the nasopharynx warms the air when inhaled, cleans it of germs and dust, and the tonsils produce immunoglobulin to protect against germs and viruses. Voice-forming function - cartilage controls the movement of the vocal cords, while changing the distance between the ligaments regulates the volume of the voice, and the force of their tension - timbre. The shorter the vocal cords, the higher the pitch of the voice. Respiratory function - air enters first the nasopharynx, then the pharynx, larynx and trachea. Villi on the surface of the pharyngeal epithelium prevent foreign bodies from entering the respiratory tract. And the structure of the nasopharynx itself helps to avoid asphyxia and laryngospasms.
Prevention of throat diseases
During the cold season in countries with temperate climates, it is very easy to get a cold or sore throat. To avoid sore throat and viral diseases, you should:
Clear your throat with gargles. For rinsing, you need to use warm water, gradually reducing its temperature. Instead of water, you can use a decoction of medicinal plants - calendula or sage, pine cones, eucalyptus. Change your toothbrush once a month and after illness, to avoid becoming re-infected by germs remaining on the brush, visit the dentist. Constantly strengthen your immune system with a varied and nutritious diet, drink not too hot tea with lemon or fruit juice made from wild berries and fruits. For preventive purposes, you can use rosehip decoction and syrup, propolis, and garlic. If possible, limit contact with sick people and use gauze bandages. Avoid hypothermia and getting your feet wet in cold weather. Periodically ventilate the room and carry out wet cleaning. At the first symptoms of a throat disease, protect it from cold and take antiviral drugs. The ideal medicine for the throat is honey - a natural antiseptic. Honey should be consumed not only during illness, but also for prevention every day. Seek medical help promptly. Only after consulting a doctor and on his recommendation can you take antibiotics. If the course of the disease is favorable, it is better to complete any course of treatment to avoid complications.
Do not forget that the throat and larynx must be carefully protected, since their diseases, especially in acute form, are fraught with serious consequences. If you cannot avoid the disease, you should visit a doctor, because self-medication and uncontrolled use of folk recipes can undermine your health.
The complex structure of the throat is due to many interacting and complementary elements that perform important functions for the human body. Knowledge in the field of throat anatomy will help you understand the functioning of the respiratory and digestive systems, prevent throat diseases and select effective treatment for emerging diseases.
Pharynx and larynx: structural features, functions, diseases and pathologies
The throat is a human organ that is classified as the upper respiratory tract.
Functions
The throat helps move air to the respiratory system and food through the digestive system. Also in one of the parts of the throat are the vocal cords and a protective system (prevents food from getting past its path).
Anatomical structure of the throat and pharynx
The throat contains a large number of nerves, important blood vessels and muscles. There are two parts of the throat - the pharynx and larynx. Their trachea continues. The functions between the parts of the throat are divided as follows:
- The pharynx moves food into the digestive system and air into the respiratory system.
- The vocal cords work thanks to the larynx.
Pharynx
Another name for the pharynx is pharynx. It starts at the back of the mouth and continues down the neck. The shape of the pharynx is an inverted cone.
The wider part is located at the base of the skull for strength. The narrow lower part connects to the larynx. The outer part of the pharynx continues the outer part of the mouth - it has quite a lot of glands that produce mucus and help moisten the throat during speech or eating.
Nasopharynx
The uppermost part of the pharynx. She has a soft palate, which limits her and, when swallowing, protects her nose from food getting into it. On the upper wall of the nasopharynx there are adenoids - a collection of tissue on the back wall of the organ. The nasopharynx is connected to the throat and middle ear by a special passage - the Eustachian tube. The nasopharynx is not as mobile as the oropharynx.
Oropharynx
Middle part of the pharynx. Located at the back of the oral cavity. The main thing this organ is responsible for is the delivery of air to the respiratory organs. Human speech is possible due to contractions of the muscles of the mouth. The tongue is also located in the oral cavity, which facilitates the movement of food into the digestive system. The most important organs of the oropharynx are the tonsils; they are the ones most often involved in various throat diseases.
Swallowing department
The lowest section of the pharynx with a self-explanatory name. It has a complex of nerve plexuses that help maintain synchronous functioning of the pharynx. Thanks to this, air enters the lungs, and food enters the esophagus, and everything happens at the same time.
Larynx
The larynx is located in the body as follows:
- Opposite the cervical vertebrae (4-6 vertebrae).
- At the back is the immediate laryngeal part of the pharynx.
- In front, the larynx is formed thanks to a group of hyoid muscles.
- Above is the hyoid bone.
- From the side, the larynx is adjacent with its lateral parts to the thyroid gland.
The larynx has a skeleton. The skeleton has unpaired and paired cartilages. Cartilage is connected by joints, ligaments and muscles.
Unpaired: cricoid, epiglottis, thyroid.
Paired: horn-shaped, aryten-shaped, wedge-shaped.
The muscles of the larynx, in turn, are also divided into three groups:
- Four muscles narrow the glottis: the thyroarytenoid, cricoarytenoid, oblique arytenoid and transverse muscles.
- Only one muscle widens the glottis - the posterior cricoarytenoid. She is a steam room.
- Two muscles tense the vocal cords: the vocal cord and the cricothyroid.
The larynx has an entrance.
- Behind this entrance are the arytenoid cartilages. They consist of horn-shaped tubercles that are located on the side of the mucous membrane.
- In front is the epiglottis.
- On the sides there are aryepiglottic folds. They consist of wedge-shaped tubercles.
The laryngeal cavity is divided into three parts:
- The vestibule stretches from the vestibular folds to the epiglottis, the folds are formed by the mucous membrane, and between these folds there is the vestibular fissure.
- The interventricular section is the narrowest. Stretches from the lower vocal cords to the upper ligaments of the vestibule. Its narrowest part is called the glottis, and it is created by intercartilaginous and membranous tissues.
- Subvocal area. Based on the name, it is clear that it is located below the glottis. The trachea expands and begins.
The larynx has three membranes:
- The mucous membrane - unlike the vocal cords (they are made of squamous non-keratinizing epithelium) consists of multinucleated prismatic epithelium.
- Fibrous-cartilaginous membrane - consists of elastic and hyaline cartilages, which are surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, and provides this entire structure with the framework of the larynx.
- Connective tissue - the connecting part of the larynx and other formations of the neck.
The larynx is responsible for three functions:
- Protective - the mucous membrane has ciliated epithelium, and it contains many glands. And if the food gets past, then the nerve endings carry out a reflex - a cough, which removes the food back from the larynx into the mouth.
- Respiratory - related to the previous function. The glottis can contract and expand, thereby directing air flow.
- Vocal-formative - speech, voice. The characteristics of the voice depend on the individual anatomical structure. and the condition of the vocal cords.
The picture shows the structure of the larynx
Diseases, pathologies and injuries
The following problems exist:
Related problems that cause sore throat:
To determine the exact cause of your throat pain and irritation and to prescribe appropriate treatment, consult your doctor immediately.
Popular video on the structure and functions of the larynx:
How does the human throat work?
The throat and larynx are vital components of the body, they are multifunctional and their structure is amazingly complex. With their help, breathing and eating are carried out, human communication, that is, conversation, becomes possible.
How the throat and larynx work
You can understand what a person’s throat is made of by seeing the throat in cross-section - this will be most clear. It includes the larynx and pharynx.
The pharynx itself is located behind the mouth. It goes down the neck. After this there is a gradual connection with the larynx. The pharynx has a cone shape. A wide zone of the organ is adjacent to the base of the human skull.
The continuation of the mouth comes in the form of the outer part. There are also glands there. They produce a special slimy mass for ingesting food.
Learn how to make burnt sugar for coughs.
How does the human throat work?
- The nasopharynx is its upper part. The nasopharynx has a soft palate; it acts as a limiter when swallowing and also prevents food from entering the nose. The adenoids are attached from above.
- The oropharynx is the intermediate, middle part of the pharynx. It is located at the back of every person's mouth. This organ ensures uninterrupted flow of air into the lungs. The human speech function becomes possible precisely due to contractions of the oropharynx. The tongue is also located in the oropharynx and moves food through the esophagus. The tonsils here serve as a kind of filter and retain harmful substances that enter the oropharynx from the outside, and do not allow them to move further.
- The swallowing region is part of the structure of the human throat and larynx. It intertwines many nerves involved in the coordinated work of the oropharynx. Therefore, a person clearly gets air only into the lungs. In this case, food only enters the esophagus. This process occurs synchronously.
The larynx is localized in the body in the area of the fourth vertebra. In front of the organ you can see a tangle of several muscles. They are located only under the tongue.
If you look at the diagram of a person’s throat, you will notice that the larynx has its own skeleton. It contains a lot of cartilage. They are connected to each other by small muscles and ligaments.
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- the vestibule has the property of stretching.
- The interventricular region is the narrowest part of the larynx, containing the glottis.
- The subglottic region is located at the bottom of the glottis. When this area is made larger, the trachea begins.
The larynx also has three types of membranes: mucous, fibrocartilaginous and connective tissue.
The functions of the larynx can be called:
- protective. In the event that food suddenly passes by, specific fibers cause a cough, which helps the food come back out.
- respiratory. This function is most directly related to the protective one. Due to the compression and expansion of the glottis, air flows move.
- formation of a person’s voice and his individual characteristics. This is influenced by the anatomy of the human throat. The speech function of a person and his voice depend on the condition of the vocal cords.
Important. You can see everything in detail in the photo of the structure of the human throat with a description.
In young children
The structure of a child's throat is significantly different from that of an adult. This is due to the fact that a child’s organs can form throughout the entire period of maturation and growth.
An organ such as the tonsils in a child has its own distinctive characteristics. It is commonly believed that there are only two tonsils, but this is far from true.
They consist of one pharyngeal, two palatine, two tubal and one lingual tonsils.
This section of the pharynx will be formed in the baby only after a few months of life and will continue to change in the future.
Newborns do not have clearly defined palatine tonsils; instead, there are only their rudiments. They are fully formed only by six months.
The lacunae also differ in their structure - they are branched and deep. This is a common cause of inflammatory processes in this area in children.
Paired organs such as adenoids can be called formed by the age of 2.5 years.
The maximum development of the pharynx in a child occurs at 5-7 years. At the same age, the incidence rate in children predominates. At the age of 3-16 years, the larynx of boys is longer than the larynx of girls. The top and opening of the larynx in children are much smaller than in adults, and they do not have the correct shape. The vocal cords of children are much shorter than those of adults.
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Conclusion
It is very important to monitor such an important organ as the throat and take timely measures to combat abnormalities of its development and diseases. If you suspect the development of any disease, consult a doctor.
Directory of main ENT diseases and their treatment
All information on the site is for informational purposes only and does not claim to be absolutely accurate from a medical point of view. Treatment must be carried out by a qualified doctor. By self-medicating you can harm yourself!
Structure of the throat
The throat is an organ that belongs to the upper respiratory tract and
promotes the movement of air into the respiratory system and food into the digestive tract. The throat contains many vital blood vessels and nerves, as well as muscles of the pharynx. There are two sections in the throat: the pharynx and the larynx.
The trachea is a continuation of the pharynx and larynx. The pharynx is responsible for moving food into the digestive tract and air into the lungs. And the larynx bears responsibility for the vocal cords.
What is the throat made of?
Pharynx
The pharynx, or as it is otherwise called “pharynx,” is located behind the oral cavity and extends down the neck. The shape of the pharynx is a cone turned upside down. The upper part of the cone, wider, is located at the base of the skull - this gives it strength. The lower part, narrower, is connected to the larynx. The outer layer of the pharynx is a continuation of the outer layer of the oral cavity. Accordingly, this layer has numerous glands that produce mucus. This mucus helps keep the throat moist during eating and speaking.
Nasopharynx
The pharynx consists of three parts. These parts have their own location and perform certain functions. The uppermost part is the nasopharynx. From below, the nasopharynx is limited by the soft palate and when swallowing, the soft palate moves upward and covers the nasopharynx, thereby preventing food from entering the nose. The upper wall of the nasopharynx has adenoids. Adenoids are a collection of tissue located on the back wall of the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx also has a passage that connects the middle ear and throat - this is the Eustachian tube.
Oropharynx
The oropharynx is the part of the pharynx that is located behind the oral cavity. The main function of the oropharynx is to promote air flow from the mouth to the respiratory organs. The nasopharynx is less mobile than the oropharynx. Therefore, as a result of contraction of the muscle mass of the oral cavity, speech is formed. In the oral cavity there is a tongue, which, with the help of the muscular system, helps move food into the esophagus and stomach. But the most important organs of the oropharynx are the tonsils, which are most often involved in throat diseases.
The lowest part of the throat performs the function of swallowing. The movements of the throat must be very clear and synchronized to simultaneously ensure the penetration of air into the lungs and food into the esophagus. This is achieved through a complex of nerve plexuses.
Larynx
The larynx is located opposite the 4th -6th cervical vertebrae. The hyoid bone is located above the larynx. In front of the larynx is formed by a group of hyoid muscles, the lateral parts of the larynx are adjacent to the thyroid gland, and the laryngeal part of the pharynx is located in the posterior region of the larynx.
The skeleton of the larynx is represented by a group of cartilages (paired and unpaired), which are connected to each other by muscles, joints and ligaments.
Unpaired cartilages include:
Paired cartilages include:
No human organ can function without muscles. The muscular system of the larynx is divided into three groups: muscles that narrow the glottis, muscles that dilate the vocal cords and muscles that tense the vocal cords. The muscles that narrow the glottis can be divided into several groups: cricoarytenoid, thyroarytenoid, transverse and oblique arytenoid muscles. The only muscle that widens the glottis is the paired posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. The cricothyroid and vocalis muscles are considered muscles that tense the vocal cords.
Structure of the larynx
An entrance is distinguished in the laryngeal cavity. In front of this entrance is the epiglottis, on both sides there are aryepiglottic folds, the arytenoid cartilages are located posteriorly. The aryepiglottic folds are represented by wedge-shaped tubercles, and the arytenoid cartilages are represented by corniculate tubercles. Horn-shaped tubercles are located on the sides of the mucous membrane. The laryngeal cavity contains the vestibule, interventricular region and subglottic region.
The vestibule of the larynx extends from the epiglottis to the vestibular folds. The mucous membrane forms the folds of the vestibule. Between them is the vestibular fissure.
The interventricular section is the narrowest section of the larynx. It stretches from the upper folds of the vestibule to the lower vocal cords. The narrowest part of the larynx is the glottis. It is formed by membranous tissue and intercartilaginous tissue.
The larynx has three membranes:
The mucous membrane is formed by multinucleated prismatic epithelium. The vocal folds do not have this epithelium. They are formed by flat non-keratinizing epithelium. The fibrocartilaginous membrane is represented by hyaline cartilage and elastic cartilage. These cartilages are surrounded by fibrous connective tissue. Their main function is to provide a framework for the larynx. The connective tissue membrane serves as a connecting link between the larynx and other structures of the neck.
Main functions
- Protective
- Respiratory
- Voice-forming
The protective and respiratory functions go side by side, at the same level. The respiratory function ensures the flow of air into the lungs. Control and direction of air occurs due to the fact that the glottis has the function of compression and expansion. The mucous membrane has ciliated epithelium, which contains a huge number of glands.
It is these glands that perform the protective function of the larynx. That is, if food gets into the vestibular apparatus, then thanks to the nerve endings that are located at the entrance to the larynx, a cough occurs. Coughing moves food from the larynx to the mouth.
You need to know that the glottis closes reflexively when a foreign body enters it, which can result in laryngospasm. And this is already very dangerous; this condition can lead to suffocation and even death.
The voice-forming function is involved in the reproduction of speech, as well as the sonority of the voice. It should be noted that the pitch and sonority of the voice depend on the anatomical structure of the larynx. If the ligaments are not sufficiently moistened, then friction occurs, and accordingly the elasticity of the ligaments is lost, and the voice becomes hoarse.
Features of the structure and development of the respiratory system in children
The structure of the respiratory system in children during the neonatal period creates numerous preconditions for acute respiratory diseases. Therefore, the baby should be protected from exposure to infectious factors. We also suggest learning about all the structural features of the respiratory system in children in order to have a general idea of how the gradual development of the nose and paranasal sinuses, throat and larynx, bronchi and lungs occurs.
According to medical statistics, respiratory diseases are much more common in children than in adults. This is due to the age-related characteristics of the structure of the respiratory system and the uniqueness of the protective reactions of the child’s body.
Along their length, the respiratory tract is divided into upper (from the opening of the nose to the vocal cords) and lower (larynx, trachea, bronchi), as well as lungs.
The main function of the respiratory system is to provide oxygen to the body tissues and remove carbon dioxide.
The process of formation of the respiratory organs in most children is completed by the age of 7, and in subsequent years their size only increases.
All airways in a child are much smaller and have narrower openings than in an adult.
The mucous membrane is thin, tender, vulnerable, dry, since the glands in it are poorly developed and little secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) is produced.
This, as well as the rich blood supply, softness and pliability of the cartilaginous framework of the respiratory tract, and the low content of elastic tissue contribute to a decrease in the barrier function of the mucous membrane, the fairly rapid penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the bloodstream, and create a predisposition to narrowing of the respiratory tract as a result of rapidly occurring swelling or compression of the pliable respiratory tract tubes from outside.
Features of the structure of the nose and paranasal sinuses in a child (with photo)
The structural features of the nose in children are primarily its small size, which causes a shortening of the path for the passage of air masses. A young child's nose is relatively small. The structure of a child's nose is such that the nasal passages are narrow, the lower nasal passage is formed only by the age of 4, which contributes to the occurrence of frequent runny nose (rhinitis). The nasal mucosa is very delicate and contains many small blood vessels, so even slight inflammation causes it to swell and further narrow the nasal passages. This leads to impaired nasal breathing in the child. The baby begins to breathe through his mouth. Cold air does not warm up and is not cleaned in the nasal cavity, but directly enters the bronchi and lungs, which leads to infection. It is no coincidence that many lung diseases in children begin with a “harmless” runny nose.
Children from an early age need to be taught proper breathing through their nose!
At birth, only the maxillary (maxillary) sinuses are formed in the child, so sinusitis can develop in young children. All sinuses develop completely by the age of 12 - 15 years. The structure of a child's nose and sinuses is constantly changing as the bones of the facial skull grow and form. The frontal and main paranasal sinuses gradually appear. The ethmoid bone with its labyrinth is formed throughout the first year of life.
Look at the structure of a child’s nose in the photo, which shows the main anatomical processes of development during the first year of life:
The structure of the throat and larynx in a child (with photo)
Continues the nasal cavity of the pharynx. The structure of a child’s throat provides reliable immune protection against the invasion of viruses and bacteria: it contains an important formation - the pharyngeal lymphatic ring, which performs a protective barrier function. The basis of the lymphopharyngeal ring is the tonsils and adenoids.
By the end of the first year, the lymphoid tissue of the pharyngeal lymphatic ring often hyperplasias (grows), especially in children with allergic diathesis, as a result of which the barrier function decreases. The overgrown tissue of the tonsils and adenoids is populated by viruses and microorganisms, and chronic foci of infection are formed (adenoiditis, chronic tonsillitis). Frequent sore throats and acute respiratory viral infections are observed. In the case of severe adenoiditis, long-term disruption of nasal breathing contributes to changes in the facial skeleton and the formation of an “adenoid face.”
The larynx is located in the front upper part of the neck. Compared to adults, the larynx in children is short, funnel-shaped, has delicate, pliable cartilage and thin muscles. In the area of the subglottic space there is a distinct narrowing, where the diameter of the larynx increases very slowly with age and is 6 - 7 mm at 5 - 7 years old, 1 cm by 14 years old. In the subglottic space there is a large number of nerve receptors and blood vessels, so it develops easily swelling of the submucosal layer. This condition is accompanied by severe breathing problems (larynx stenosis, false croup) even with minor manifestations of respiratory infection.
Look at the structure of the child’s throat and larynx in the photo, where the most important structural parts are highlighted and labeled:
Features of the structure and development of the bronchi and lungs in children
The trachea is a continuation of the larynx. The trachea of an infant is very mobile, which, in combination with the softness of the cartilage, sometimes causes a slit-like collapse during exhalation and is accompanied by the appearance of expiratory shortness of breath or rough snoring breathing (congenital stridor). Manifestations of stridor, as a rule, disappear by 2 years. In the chest, the trachea divides into two large bronchi.
The characteristics of the bronchi in children lead to the fact that with frequent colds, chronic bronchitis develops, which can develop into bronchial asthma. Considering the structure of the bronchi in children, it is clear that their size in newborns is relatively small, which causes partial blockage of the bronchial lumen with mucus in cases of bronchitis. The main functional feature of the bronchi of a small child is the insufficiency of drainage and cleansing functions.
The bronchi of babies are very sensitive to the effects of harmful environmental factors. Too cold or hot air, high air humidity, gas pollution, and dust lead to stagnation of mucus in the bronchi and the development of bronchitis.
Externally, the bronchi look like a branched tree, turned upside down. The smallest bronchi (bronchioles) end in small vesicles (alveoli) that make up the lung tissue itself.
The structure of the lungs in children is constantly changing, since they are constantly growing in the child. In the first years of a child’s life, the lung tissue is full of blood and lacks air. The process of gas exchange, vital for the body, occurs in the alveoli. Carbon dioxide from the blood passes into the lumen of the alveoli and is released into the external environment through the bronchi. At the same time, atmospheric oxygen enters the alveoli and then into the blood. The slightest disturbance in gas exchange in the lungs due to inflammatory processes causes the development of respiratory failure.
The chest is surrounded on all sides by muscles that provide breathing (respiratory muscles). The main ones are the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm. During inhalation, the respiratory muscles contract, which leads to expansion of the chest and an increase in the volume of the lungs due to their expansion. The lungs seem to suck in air from the outside. During exhalation, which occurs without muscular effort, the volume of the chest and lungs decreases, and air comes out. The development of the lungs in children inevitably leads to a significant increase in the vital volume of these important organs.
The child’s respiratory system reaches completeness in its structure by 8–12 years, but the formation of its function continues until 14–16 years.
In childhood, it is necessary to highlight a number of functional features of the respiratory system.
- The younger the child, the higher the respiratory rate. Increasing breathing compensates for the small volume of each respiratory movement and provides oxygen to the child’s body. At the age of 1-2 years, the number of breaths per minute is 30-35, at 5-6 years old - 25, at 10-15 years old - 18-20.
- The child's breathing is more shallow and arrhythmic. Emotional and physical stress increase the severity of functional respiratory arrhythmia.
- Gas exchange in children occurs more intensively than in adults, due to the rich blood supply to the lungs, blood flow speed, and high diffusion of gases. At the same time, the function of external respiration can easily be impaired due to insufficient lung excursions and straightening of the alveoli.
The throat is the main component in the human body. It has a complex structure and has a wide range of functions. Thanks to him, people live, breathe and eat. In medicine there is no term “throat”. But this word has long been entrenched in our vocabulary. Its meaning refers to the complex anatomical structure of the larynx.
Anatomical structure of the throat
The structure of the throat consists of several parts: pharynx, larynx, trachea. To correctly diagnose the disease, it is necessary to carefully study the anatomy of the throat and analyze all its components in detail. Pathology can form in any area. Therefore, knowledge of the anatomy of the throat is one of the most important areas in otolaryngology.
Structure and sections of the throat
If we talk about how the throat works, then in its structure it looks like an inverted cone, located near the 4th and 6th vertebrae. It originates from the hyoid bone, descends and passes into the trachea.
The diagram of the human throat is complex and is divided into several parts:
- The pharynx, which includes the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and swallowing department.
- The larynx, which is lined with tissue structures, blood and lymph vessels, nerves, glands, cartilage and muscles.
Detailed anatomy of the throat can be seen in the photo.
It is worth noting! The structure of the throat of a child and an adult has no obvious differences. The only thing that can be highlighted is that in children the size of the cavities is smaller.
What functions does the throat perform?
If we summarize the work performed by all components of the throat, we can identify several functions without which human existence is unimaginable.
The functions of the throat are divided into:
- voice-forming;
- protective;
- respiratory;
- esophageal
Violation of one of the listed actions can cause the development of serious pathology.
Diseases affecting the throat
Frequent ENT diseases of the throat include laryngitis. The disease can have an acute or chronic course. The pathology is manifested by hoarseness of voice, barking dry cough, pain during swallowing.
The causes of the disease may be:
- previous whooping cough;
- overstrain of the vocal cords;
- long exposure to the cold;
- inhalation of vapors, gases, dust;
- poor nutrition;
- presence of bad habits.
One of the common pathologies affecting the throat can also be pharyngitis.
The disease usually occurs during/after:
- talking in the cold;
- prolonged inhalation of cold air through the mouth.
Signs of the disease include sore throat and sore throat. The patient complains of weakness, persistent and frequent cough, fever, muscle pain and headache.
Tonsillitis occurs when there is an inflammatory process in the palatine tonsils. The disease is quite dangerous, as it can be transmitted through common household items and by airborne droplets. Only those pathologies that arise against the background of an allergic reaction are safe for others.
Possible injuries
There are many ways to injure your throat. Internal and external factors can provoke injury.
External ones include:
- firearms;
- cut;
- chopped;
- bruised wounds.
The resulting external injuries damage not only the throat, but also the face, neck, and mucous membrane.
The occurrence of internal injuries is facilitated by damage to the walls and tissues of the throat by sharp foreign objects and bone fragments that enter through natural routes. Children especially often receive such throat injuries when they fall. Injuries vary in severity; a harmless abrasion can form on the mucous membrane or severe damage covering the walls of the throat and surrounding cavities.
Anatomical structure of the pharynx
The pharynx, another name is the pharynx. It starts at the back of the mouth and continues down the neck. The wider part is located at the base of the skull for strength. The narrow lower part connects to the larynx. The outer part of the pharynx continues the outer part of the mouth - it has quite a lot of glands that produce mucus and help moisten the throat during speech or eating.
When studying the anatomy of the pharynx, it is important to determine its type, structure, functions and risks of disease. As mentioned earlier, the pharynx is shaped like a cone. The narrowed part merges with the laryngopharynx, and the wide side continues the oral cavity. There are glands that produce mucus and help moisten the throat during communication and eating. From the front side it connects to the larynx, from above it adjoins the nasal cavity, on the sides it adjoins the cavities of the middle ear through the Eustachian canal, and from below it connects with the esophagus.
The larynx is located as follows:
- opposite 4 - 6 cervical vertebrae;
- behind - the laryngeal part of the pharynx;
- in front - formed due to the group of hyoid muscles;
- above - hyoid bone;
- lateral - adjacent to the thyroid gland with its lateral parts.
The structure of a child's pharynx has its own differences. Tonsils in newborns are underdeveloped and do not function at all. Their full development is achieved by two years.
The larynx includes in its structure a skeleton, which contains paired and unpaired cartilages connected by joints, ligaments and muscles:
- unpaired consist of: cricoid, epiglottis, thyroid.
- paired ones consist of: corniculate, arytenoid, wedge-shaped.
The muscles of the larynx are divided into three groups and consist of:
- thyroarytenoid, cricoarytenoid, oblique arytenoid and transverse muscles - those that narrow the glottis;
- posterior cricoarytenoid muscle - is paired and expands the glottis;
- vocal and cricothyroid - strain the vocal cords.
Entrance to the larynx:
- behind the entrance there are arytenoid cartilages, which consist of cornuform tubercles, and are located on the side of the mucous membrane;
- in front - the epiglottis;
- on the sides there are aryepiglottic folds, which consist of wedge-shaped tubercles.
The laryngeal cavity is also divided into 3 parts:
- The vestibule tends to stretch from the vestibular folds to the epiglottis.
- Interventricular section - stretches from the lower ligaments to the upper ligaments of the vestibule.
- Subglottic region - located below the glottis, when it expands, the trachea begins.
The larynx has 3 membranes:
- mucous membrane - consists of multinucleated prismatic epithelium;
- fibrocartilaginous membrane - consists of elastic and hyaline cartilages;
- connective tissue - connects part of the larynx and other formations of the neck.
Pharynx: nasopharynx, oropharynx, swallowing department
The anatomy of the pharynx is divided into several sections.
Each of them has its own specific purpose:
- The nasopharynx is the most important section, which covers and merges with special openings into the back of the nasal cavity. The function of the nasopharynx is to moisturize, warm, clean the inhaled air from pathogenic microflora and recognize odor. The nasopharynx is an integral part of the respiratory tract.
- The oropharynx includes the tonsils and uvula. They border the palate and the hyoid bone and are connected by the tongue. The main function of the oropharynx is to protect the body from infections. It is the tonsils that prevent the penetration of germs and viruses inside. The oropharynx performs a combined action. Without its participation, the functioning of the respiratory and digestive systems is not possible.
- Swallowing department (hyopharynx). The function of the swallowing department is to carry out swallowing movements. The laryngopharynx is related to the digestive system.
There are two types of muscles surrounding the pharynx:
- stylopharyngeal;
- muscles are compressors.
Their functional action is based on pushing food towards the esophagus. The swallowing reflex occurs automatically when muscles tense and relax.
The process looks like this:
- In the oral cavity, food is moistened with saliva and crushed. The resulting lump moves towards the root of the tongue.
- Further, the receptors, irritating them, cause muscle contraction. As a result, the sky rises. At this second, a curtain closes between the pharynx and nasopharynx, which prevents food from entering the nasal passages. The lump of food moves deep into the throat without any problems.
- Chewed food is pushed down the throat.
- Food passes to the esophagus.
Since the pharynx is an integral part of the respiratory and digestive system, it is able to regulate the functions assigned to it. It prevents food from entering the respiratory tract during swallowing.
What functions does the pharynx perform?
The structure of the pharynx makes it possible to carry out serious processes necessary for human existence.
Functions of the pharynx:
- Voice-forming. Cartilage in the pharynx takes control of the movement of the vocal cords. The space between the ligaments is constantly subject to change. This process regulates the volume of the voice. The shorter the vocal cords, the higher the pitch of the sound produced.
- Protective. The tonsils produce immunoglobulin, which prevents a person from becoming infected with viral and antibacterial diseases. At the moment of inhalation, the air entering through the nasopharynx is warmed and cleared of pathogens.
- Respiratory. The air inhaled by a person penetrates the nasopharynx, then the larynx, pharynx, and trachea. The villi located on the surface of the epithelium prevent foreign bodies from entering the respiratory tract.
- Esophageal. The function ensures the functioning of swallowing and sucking reflexes.
The diagram of the pharynx can be seen in the next photo.
Diseases affecting the throat and pharynx
They can provoke an attack of a viral or bacterial infection. But pathology is also caused by fungal infections, the development of various tumors, and allergies.
Pharynx diseases manifest themselves:
- sore throat;
- tonsillitis;
- pharyngitis;
- laryngitis;
- paratonsillitis.
Only a doctor can determine an accurate diagnosis after a thorough examination and based on the results of laboratory tests.
Possible injuries
The pharynx can be injured as a result of internal, external, closed, open, penetrating, blind and through injuries. Possible complication - blood loss, suffocation, development of a retropharyngeal abscess, etc.
First aid:
- in case of injury to the mucous membrane in the oropharynx area, the damaged area is treated with silver nitrate;
- deep injury requires the administration of tetanus toxoid, analgesic, antibiotic;
- severe arterial bleeding is stopped by finger pressure.
Specialized medical care includes tracheostomy and pharyngeal tamponade.
Anatomical structure of the larynx
The larynx (larynx) is lined with various tissue structures, blood and lymphatic vessels, and nerves. The mucous membrane, covered from the inside, consists of multilayered epithelium. And underneath there is connective tissue, which in case of illness manifests itself as swelling. When studying the structure of the throat and larynx, we observe a large number of glands. They are absent only in the region of the edges of the vocal folds.
See the photo below for the structure of the human throat with a description.
The larynx is located in the throat in the shape of an hourglass. The structure of the larynx in a child differs from that of an adult. In infancy, she is two vertebrae higher than normal. If in adults the plates of the thyroid cartilage are connected at an acute angle, then in children they are at a right angle. The structure of the larynx in a child is also distinguished by a long glottis. In them it is shorter, and the vocal folds are of unequal size. The diagram of a child’s larynx can be seen in the photo below.
What does the larynx consist of?
The structure of the larynx in relation to other organs:
- superiorly, the larynx is attached to the hyoid bone by thyroid ligaments. This provides support for the external muscles;
- below, the larynx is attached to the first ring of the trachea with the help of the cricoid cartilage;
- on the side it borders on the thyroid gland, and on the back on the esophagus.
The skeleton of the larynx includes five main cartilages that fit tightly together:
- cricoid;
- thyroid;
- epiglottis;
- arytenoid cartilages - 2 pieces.
From above the larynx passes into the laryngopharynx, from below into the trachea. All cartilages found in the larynx, except the epiglottis, are hyaline, and the muscles are striated. They have the property of reflex contraction.
What functions does the larynx perform?
The functions of the larynx are determined by three actions:
- Protective. It does not allow third-party objects into the lungs.
- Respiratory. The structure of the larynx helps regulate air flow.
- Voice. The vibrations caused by the air are created by the voice.
The larynx is one of the important organs. If its functional activity is disrupted, irreversible consequences may occur.
Diseases affecting the larynx
The pathological process that occurs in the larynx is often infectious in nature. The reason is decreased immunity.
As a result, it develops:
- laryngitis;
- angina;
- polyps;
- granuloma;
- laryngeal stenosis;
- tuberculosis of the larynx;
- arthritis of the larynx joints;
- laryngeal cancer.
All of the above diseases require the right approach to treatment.
Possible injuries
Injuries to the larynx can occur as a result of external and internal, blunt and sharp injuries, as well as thermal and chemical burns. Throat burns often occur. This type of damage may be irreversible. At best, the condition causes various diseases.
Signs of a throat injury include:
- shortness of breath;
- pain while swallowing;
- persistent cough;
- drooling;
- swelling of the neck;
- displacement of the larynx;
- hemorrhages in the anterior neck.
A laryngeal injury is life-threatening, so it is recommended to immediately call an ambulance. When provided, medical assistance can save a person’s life.
Anatomy of cartilage
When studying the structure of the larynx, special attention should be paid to the cartilage present.
They are presented as:
- Cricoid cartilage. This is a wide plate in the form of a ring, covering the back, front and sides. On the sides and edges, the cartilage has articular areas for connection with the thyroid and arytenoid cartilages.
- Thyroid cartilage, consisting of 2 plates that fuse in front at an angle. When studying the structure of a child’s larynx, these plates can be seen to converge in a rounded manner. This happens in women too, but in men it usually develops an angular protrusion.
- Arytenoid cartilages. They have the shape of pyramids, at the base of which there are 2 processes. The first, the anterior one, is the place for fastening the vocal cord, and the second, the lateral cartilage, is where the muscles are attached.
- Horn-shaped cartilages, which are located on the tops of the arytenoids. ).
Informative video: The structure of the human throat, pharynx and larynx, what do they consist of and what functions do they perform?
