What nerve innervates the pharynx?

All the muscles of the pharynx are innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X), except for the stylopharyngeus, which is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).

Which muscle of the pharynx has a unique innervation?

During swallowing, these muscles act to shorten and widen the pharynx. They are innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the Vagus nerve (CN X) with the exception of the stylopharyngeus muscle which is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).

What does the pharyngeal plexus innervate?

The pharyngeal plexus lies on the posterolateral wall of the pharynx, mainly over the middle pharyngeal constrictor and is the main motor and sensory nerve supply to the muscles of the pharynx and soft palate and acts to coordinate swallowing and speech 1-7.

What nerve Innervates throat?

Nerve supply All of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx are innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve, except for the cricothyroid muscle, which receives its innervation from the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, also a branch of the vagus nerve.

What is the main function of the pharynx?

The pharynx, commonly called the throat, is a passageway that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. It serves both the respiratory and digestive systems by receiving air from the nasal cavity and air, food, and water from the oral cavity.

Which cranial nerve is most important for swallowing?

Glossopharyngeal nerve
Cranial nerve IX – Glossopharyngeal nerve The efferent motor fibers of cranial nerve IX supply the stylopharyngeus muscle,1 which helps elevate the larynx and expand the pharynx during swallowing.

What are the two functions of pharynx?

Pharynx, (Greek: “throat”) cone-shaped passageway leading from the oral and nasal cavities in the head to the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx chamber serves both respiratory and digestive functions. Thick fibres of muscle and connective tissue attach the pharynx to the base of the skull and surrounding structures.

Where does the motor innervation of the pharynx originate?

It originates from three major cranial nerves: The pharyngeal branches of the vagus nerve provide motor innervation to all the structures and muscles of the pharynx, except the stylopharyngeus. The latter receives motor innervation from the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Is the vagus nerve innervated by the laryngopharynx?

Fig 1.2 – The three parts of the pharynx, and their borders. The laryngopharynx is innervated by the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve has a minor role in taste sensation. It carries afferent fibres from the root of the tongue and epiglottis.

Which is muscles are innervated by the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve innervates the majority of the muscles associated with the pharynx and larynx. These muscles are responsible for the initiation of swallowing and phonation. Most of the muscles of the pharynx are innervated by the pharyngeal branches of the vagus nerve:

What are the muscles that shorten the pharynx?

Aside from the constrictor muscles (which are more circular in shape) the pharynx also has several longitudinal muscles that shorten and expand the pharynx as well as push the larynx up when swallowing. These muscles are called the stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, and salpingopharyngeus.