The pharynx (throat) is present behind the nasal and mouth cavity and at the top of the trachea and oesophagus. The human pharynx is divided into three parts:

1. Nasopharynx
2. Oropharynx
3. Laryngopharynx

The laryngopharynx is the pharynx’s largest and caudal portion. Let’s learn more about the anatomy of the laryngopharynx.

Table of Contents

• What is Laryngopharynx?
• Laryngopharynx Anatomy
• Functions of Laryngopharynx
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laryngopharynx?

The laryngopharynx or hypopharynx is the most caudal part of the pharynx and serves as a vital connection point for food, water and air. It also comprises components that aid in speech. Laryngopharynx is the point where the pharynx divides posteriorly into the oesophagus and anteriorly into the larynx. This structure typically lies below the oropharynx part of the pharynx. It is lined with stratified squamous epithelial cells and is innervated by a network of nerve fibres termed pharyngeal plexus.

Laryngopharynx Anatomy

The laryngopharynx is an anatomical region that extends from the base (back) of the tongue to the upper part of the oesophagus low in the neck. It comprises 3 main sites – the pyriform sinus, pharyngeal wall (posterior) and the postcricoid area.

• The laryngopharynx connects the superior margin of the epiglottis to the upper end of the oesophagus at vertebra C6.
• Its superior boundary is at the level of the hyoid bone.
• The larynx and pharynx are connected through an opening called the laryngeal aperture or laryngeal inlet. The laryngeal inlet enters the laryngopharynx through its anterior wall.
• A pair of mucosal recesses (pyriform sinus) exist between the core part of the larynx and the lateral thyroid cartilage lamina. The mucosal recesses form channels that direct liquids and solids from the oral cavity into the oesophagus via the raised laryngeal inlet.
• This pyriform sinus is laterally bounded by the thyroid cartilage and medially by the aryepiglottic fold.
• The postcricoid area is the region of the laryngopharynx posterior to the larynx, starting superiorly at the arytenoids (cartilages of the larynx) and continuing till the oesophagus transition.
• The backside wall of the swallowing pathway is termed the posterior pharyngeal wall. It comprises a layer of mucosa, muscles and the parts of the cervical vertebrae.

Nasopharynx

The nasopharynx is located behind the nasal cavity’s posterior apertures and above the soft palate. It is distinguished from the laryngeal components of the pharynx by the fact that its cavity is always open. It houses the eustachian tube opening, which connects the pharynx to the tympanic cavity (middle ear). It also includes the lymphoid tissues, tubal tonsils and adenoids which play an important role in the immune responses

Oropharynx

The oropharynx is located posterior to the mouth cavity, inferior to the soft palate level, and superior to the upper margin of the epiglottis. It contains vital structures such as the base of the tongue, pharyngeal bands, tonsils and soft palate. The laryngopharynx is the last pharyngeal cavity, located below the oropharynx.

Also Check:Pharynx Location

Functions of Laryngopharynx

Structures neighbouring the laryngopharynx are critical in ensuring proper food and liquid transit from the mouth to the stomach. Normal swallowing physiology is critical in preventing food and liquid aspiration into the lungs, which can result in complications like pneumonia, acute respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The laryngopharynx, along with other pharyngeal structures, aid in the process of speech.

This structure is also of clinical importance due to the increased amount of cancers that originate there.

Cancers

More than 70% of pharyngeal cancers originate from the hypopharyngeal region. The pyriform sinus, postcricoid pharynx, lateral pharyngeal wall and posterior pharyngeal wall are all sites for hypopharyngeal cancers. The majority occur in the pyriform sinus. The highly malignant squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 95% of all cases pertaining to the pyriform sinus.

The vagus nerve and glossopharyngeal nerve supply the primary laryngopharynx. The vagus nerve has an auricular branch (Arnold’s nerve) that supplies the external auditory canal. Thus, cancer in the laryngopharyngeal region can also cause ear pain.

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