diagram of inferior pharyngeal constrictor

It is attached to the hyoid bone anteriorly. The epiglottis originates in the larynx and is angled upward and backward. The cricopharyngeus muscle is attached to the sides of the cricoid cartilage anteriorly and closes the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) by compressing it against the back of the cricoid cartilage. The submental muscles originate on the mandible and attach to the hyoid bone and tongue. The pharynx has a layer of constrictor muscles that originate on the cranium and hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage anteriorly, and insert on a posterior median raphe. The oral cavity is separated from the pharynx by the faucial pillars. The tongue has oral and pharyngeal surfaces. įig. 1 shows the anatomy of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx Table 1 lists the innervation of the major muscles related to swallowing. Eating and swallowing are complex behaviors that include volitional and reflexive activities involving more than 30 nerves and muscles. Understanding the normal physiology and pathophysiology of eating and swallowing is fundamental to evaluating and treating disorders of eating and swallowing and to developing dysphagia rehabilitation programs. The goal of dysphagia rehabilitation is to identify and treat abnormalities of feeding and swallowing while maintaining safe and efficient alimentation and hydration. Dysphagia can result from a wide variety of functional or structural deficits of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, or esophagus. The movement of the food in the oral cavity and to the oropharynx differs depending on the type of food (eating solid food versus drinking liquid). The swallowing process is commonly divided into oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal stages, according to the location of the bolus. They have two crucial biologic features: food passage from the oral cavity to stomach and airway protection.

Eating and swallowing are complex behaviors involving volitional and reflexive activities of more than 30 nerves and muscles.

Diagram of inferior pharyngeal constrictor