Structural features. The pharyngeal lymphoid ring is poorly developed in the first months of life. During the postnatal period, the tonsils undergo a number of changes that have pronounced age-related characteristics. The palatine tonsils in newborns are not yet fully developed; follicles are still forming in them. Reactive centers in the palatine tonsils appear in the 2-3rd month of life. The final development of follicles occurs by 6 months, sometimes by a year.

At birth, the nasopharyngeal tonsil is a small spherical accumulation of lymphocytes on 2-4 thin folds of the mucous membrane running in the sagittal plane, and shorter and anteriorly curved folds located in the frontal plane.

In children infancy the folds of the mucous membrane thicken and lengthen, taking on the appearance of ridges, between which the grooves are clearly visible. In children in the first six months of life, the nasopharyngeal cavity is low and sharp-angled, so even a slight increase in the nasopharyngeal tonsil can cause significant impairment of nasal function.

Differentiation of the follicles of the palatine tonsils occurs earlier, at the 5-6th month of life, since after the birth of a child, immune system Bacteria and toxic substances begin to act, stimulating the formation of follicles. As an organ of local immunity, the lymphoid apparatus of the pharynx is incompetent. The tonsils are underdeveloped and have little function; T-helper cells and IgM are not produced enough. This age is characterized by immunosuppression of the lymphoid pharyngeal ring, manifested by insufficient production of IgA (age-related IgA deficiency up to 5 years), which is compensated by the increased content of IgE - the first protective immunoglobulin in children early age, providing rapid mobilization allergic reactions upon first contact with the allergen. The cellular component of immunity is activated first. Intrauterine infection contributes to the early development of tonsils.

After birth, the tonsil tissue is constantly in a state of irritation. In children in the first half of life, pronounced follicles with clear boundaries can be identified. In children older than 6 months, the subepithelial tissue contains a relatively large number of mature follicles of different sizes and shapes with well-defined reactive centers. The follicles are usually located around the furrows. Among the lymphoid cells in the connective tissue stroma there are a large number blood vessels. The peculiarity of the structure of the lacunae is that they are deep, narrow at the mouth and abundantly branched, often reaching the capsule; not always directed deep into the amygdala; the narrow passages of individual lacunae end in expansions. All these features are involved in the occurrence of the inflammatory process.

Between the leaves of the prevertebral aponeurosis and the pharyngeal muscles, from the arch of the nasopharynx to the entrance to the esophagus, there are a chain of retropharyngeal lymph nodes lying in loose connective tissue. These nodes are considered regional for the posterior parts of the nose, nasopharynx and tympanic cavity. 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 years, these lymph nodes atrophy, and therefore retropharyngeal lymphadenitis does not occur in older children and adults.

Injuries to the pharynx in newborns and infants occur quite often, sometimes already in maternity hospital with obstetric benefits. Most often, a child receives a throat injury from the sharp edge of a toy, especially when falling with his mouth open; Often the injury is caused by parents trying to remove a foreign object (a fragment of a toy or a pacifier) from the mouth with their finger. In these cases, hemorrhages can be seen in areas of the mucous membrane. Often a pharyngeal injury is accompanied by bleeding, difficulty and pain in swallowing, severe salivation mixed with blood.

Possible chemical burns mucous membrane of the pharynx in cases where, instead of medicinal medicine, parents mistakenly give children ammonia or household chemicals; in this case, pronounced infiltrative and erosive changes in the mucous membrane occur, hemorrhages are possible, sucking and food intake are impaired. Foreign bodies can enter the throat along with food, in the form of fragments of toys and foreign objects that children often put in their mouths. Often, foreign bodies in the esophagus or respiratory tract become earrings and hairpins that fall into the child’s mouth from the mother’s head during breastfeeding. Penetration of a foreign body through the oral cavity into the pharynx occurs easily due to the absence of teeth, self-control when eating, restless behavior while eating, and hasty swallowing of food. It is possible for a foreign body to enter the pharynx through the nasal cavity.

A foreign body can get stuck due to penetration with a sharp edge into the wall (in the area of the tongue root, pyriform sinuses or vallecula), or due to its excessive size (pacifier, large part of a toy). When the smooth muscles of the pharynx are irritated by a foreign body, a spasm occurs. Clinically, difficulty swallowing food, increased salivation, vomiting mixed with blood, obsessive cough, and stenotic breathing are detected. With pharyngoscopy, you can see abrasions, mucosal defects, hematomas, reactive edema, and traumatic plaques.

If you have oral thrush, you should pay attention to strict adherence to sanitary and hygienic conditions (ventilation of the room, keeping bottles and nipples clean, treatment with alcohol and 2% solution boric acid mother's nipples, hand washing). For pharyngeal candidiasis, lactic acid products containing bifidobacteria are recommended. For peritonsillar and retropharyngeal abscess, physiotherapy is indicated after opening the formation: ultra-high frequency (UHF) currents, tube quartz. Local treatment oral thrush consists of treating the affected mucous membrane with a 2% alkaline solution and strong sugar syrup. The mucous membrane is lubricated with a solution of sodium tetraborate in glycerin and natamycin.

Opening of the purulent cavity is indicated for paratonsillar and retropharyngeal abscesses. In case of an abscess of significant size, in order to avoid aspiration of pus, the abscess is first punctured, then the abscess is opened in a position with the head tilted down. Consultation with a pediatrician or mycologist is required; in cases of complex differential diagnosis with other diseases - consult an infectious disease specialist.

Subsequently, constant monitoring by a pediatrician and otolaryngologist is necessary. For mycoses after three times negative result examination of scrapings from the affected mucous membrane of the tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall, control examination of stool for dysbiosis, treatment can be stopped. In the vast majority of cases, the prognosis is favorable. The prognosis for the generalized form of candidiasis is questionable.

Food into the digestive system and air into respiratory system advances the pharynx. 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. Laterally - the larynx is adjacent with its lateral parts to 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. Fibrocartilaginous membrane - consists of elastic and hyaline cartilage, which are surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, and this entire structure provides the frame 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 tonsils Hypertrophied adenoids Injuries to the mucous membranes Burns to the mucous membranes Throat cancer Bruise Cartilage fracture Trauma to the junction of the larynx and trachea Choking Laryngeal tuberculosis Diphtheria Acid intoxication Alkali intoxication Phlegmon

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 very complex structure. It is thanks to the throat and easy people They 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 into 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. From outside Each plate in both men and women has two small cartilages coming off. 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 entry foreign bodies into 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 follows:

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 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 variety of good nutrition, 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 - 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 folk recipes may 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 emerging diseases.

Pharynx and larynx: structural features, functions, diseases and pathologies

Throat - human organ which belongs to 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.

More wide part 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 most top part throats. 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 back wall 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 oropharynx - tonsils, they are 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 pain and irritation in the throat and to prescribe suitable treatment Contact 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.

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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, entering the oropharynx from the outside and preventing them from moving 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 features. 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 common cause 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 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. Outer layer 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 the reduction muscle mass speech is formed in the oral cavity. 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. Muscular system 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 most narrow part 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.. Respiratory function ensures air flow 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 carry out protective function 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 that you learn about all the structural features of the respiratory system in children in order to have general idea about how the nose and paranasal sinuses, throat and larynx, bronchi and lungs gradually develop.

According to medical statistics, respiratory diseases are much more common in children than in adults. This is due age characteristics the structure of the respiratory system and the uniqueness of protective reactions 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 produce little secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA).

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 passage. 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 need to be taught from an early age proper breathing through the 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. Gradually the frontal and main paranasal sinuses. 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 from the invasion of viruses and bacteria: it contains important education- 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, 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 disorders (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. Trachea 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.

Features of the bronchi in children lead to the fact that when frequent colds develops Chronical bronchitis, 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 small child- insufficiency of drainage and cleaning functions.

The bronchi of babies are very sensitive to the effects harmful factors external environment. 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 violation 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 respiratory system.

The respiratory rate is higher, the more younger child. Increased 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 exercise increase the severity of functional respiratory arrhythmia.
Gas exchange in children occurs more intensely than in adults, due to the rich blood supply to the lungs, blood flow speed, and high diffusion of gases. Simultaneously function external respiration can easily be disrupted due to insufficient lung excursions and alveolar straightening.

The pharynx in young children is relatively wide, the palatine tonsils are poorly developed, which explains rare diseases sore throat in the first year of life. The tonsils are fully developed by the age of 4-5 years. By the end of the first year of life, almond tissue hyperplasias. But its barrier function at this age is very low. Overgrown almond tissue can be susceptible to infection, which is why diseases such as tonsillitis and adenoiditis occur.

The Eustachian tubes open into the nasopharynx and connect it to the middle ear. If an infection enters the middle ear from the nasopharynx, middle ear inflammation occurs.

Features of the child's larynx

The larynx in children is funnel-shaped and is a continuation of the pharynx. In children, it is located higher than in adults, and has a narrowing in the area of the cricoid cartilage, where the subglottic space is located. The glottis is formed by the vocal cords. They are short and thin, which is responsible for the child’s high, sonorous voice. The diameter of the larynx in a newborn in the area of the subglottic space is 4 mm, at 5-7 years old - 6-7 mm, by 14 years old - 1 cm. Features of the larynx in children are: its narrow lumen, many nerve receptors, easy swelling of the submucosal layer that occurs, which can lead to severe disorders breathing.

The thyroid cartilages form a more acute angle in boys over 3 years of age; from the age of 10, a typical male larynx is formed.

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.

Pharynx

The pharynx, or as it is otherwise called “ pharynx“, is located behind the mouth 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 topmost part is 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

Oropharynx- This 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.

Larynx

Larynx 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:

Cricoid
Thyroid
Epiglottic

Paired cartilages include:

Arytenoids
Corniculate
Wedge-shaped

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

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.

Interventricular department- This 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:

Mucous
Fibrocartilaginous
Connective tissue

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.

The nasopharynx is one of the sections of the human respiratory tract. It is a kind of channel that connects the nasal cavity with the upper part of the pharynx and serves to conduct air.
The nasopharynx area is separated from the oral cavity by the soft palate, which, during the respiratory process, fits tightly to the root of the tongue.

Air enters the nasopharynx from the nasal cavity through the so-called choanae - the internal nasal openings.
The nasopharynx is not an organ as such, rather it is the space where the palatine tonsils are located, as well as mucous, olfactory and cleansing surfaces. It is part of the system responsible for conducting air into the alveoli of the lungs.

Although the nasopharynx is an empty area, this does not prevent it from performing important functions, among which:

Connective. We are talking about connecting the continuation of the oral cavity, that is, the pharynx, with the nasal sinuses. This makes it possible to carry out respiratory process not only through the nasal passages, but also through the mouth;
Warming. The structure of the nasopharynx determines the presence of mucous surfaces in its cavity, which contribute to an increase in the temperature of the air inhaled by a person. This allows the body to normally perceive incoming air, without irritation of the respiratory tract;
Olfactory. In the cavity of the nasopharynx there are special mucous surfaces that are exceptionally sensitive and capable of capturing and recognizing odors that come with the inhaled air;
Protective. Moist mucous membranes in the nasopharynx trap dust and various microbes that enter the cavity with air.

The performance of these functions is due to the fact that the anatomy of the human nasopharynx has a number of characteristic features.

The nasopharynx in medicine is considered as the highest, in a complex way arranged part throats. It is a small cavity, the apex of which is located between the temples, approximately at the level of the root of the nose. The upper part of the human nasopharynx is connected to occipital bone, and its posterior wall is adjacent to the first two vertebrae of the upper spinal column.

The walls of the nasopharynx are small bundles of branched muscle fibers. The lower part of the nasopharynx passes into the oral (or middle) part of the pharynx. On the lateral walls of the nasopharynx there are openings of the auditory tubes, which are called pharyngeal openings. They are surrounded on all sides by cartilaginous tissue, which determined the connection of the nasal part with the tympanic cavities. Such a message allows you to maintain a stable and uniform pressure level, which becomes the key to the transmission of sound vibrations.

On the roof of the nasopharynx and its side walls there are accumulations of lymphoid tissues that can trap infections and viruses that enter the body. These clusters are known as tonsils. It is the tonsils, being part lymphatic system the body, play an important role in protecting the body from viruses and bacteria that can enter with incoming air.

This section contains the unpaired pharyngeal tonsil, paired palatine tonsils and lingual tonsil. They form a kind of ring that is involved in maintaining the body’s defenses.

In case of inflammatory lesion of the tonsils infectious process can accelerate significantly, affecting other human organs. In some cases (for example, with an enlarged pharyngeal tonsil), inflammation of the tonsils can significantly impede breathing. The growth of the nasopharyngeal tonsil can develop under the influence various factors, including genetic characteristics.

Structure in newborns

In newborns, the structure of the nasopharynx has a number of features, since it is not fully formed and there is still a period of transformation ahead. In particular, in infants the nasopharynx is not high and does not yet form a semblance of a semicircular arch, as in an adult. The width of the cavity is also small. The internal nasal openings (choanae), connecting the nasal cavity with the oral cavity, as well as the pharynx, are round or triangular shape. Choanae is characterized rapid growth: by the second year of life they double in size, and their shape gradually becomes oval.

Many people have no idea what the nasopharynx is. This organ consists of cavities that connect the nasal passages and middle part throats.

On the surface of the mucous membranes there are goblet cells that produce mucus. They maintain a certain humidity necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Next, we will take a closer look at how the human nasopharynx works.

What parts does the nasopharynx consist of?

Thanks to the large number of vessels, this organ warms the air, which subsequently enters the human lungs. With the help of olfactory receptors, the patient can detect various compounds that are present in the air.

First you need to understand where the nasopharynx is located and what parts this organ consists of. The nasal, oral and laryngeal regions can be distinguished.

Moreover, the pharynx is not only the upper part of the respiratory tract. This organ is the beginning of the digestive tract. Cold air constantly enters the nasopharynx, which may contain dangerous bacteria. Low temperature weakens the body and can cause inflammation.

To understand the causes of diseases, you need to know the cross-sectional structure of the human nasopharynx. When considering the diagram, you can determine the composition of this body.

The nasal part of the pharynx consists of small bundles of muscle fibers that are covered with a layer of epithelium. It includes several types of walls:

The upper wall (arch) adjoins the occipital part.
Bottom part The nasopharynx is located next to the soft palate. During swallowing, it blocks the oral cavity.
Back wall located next to cervical vertebrae. It is separated only by a layer of connective tissue.
Anterior part of the pharynx adjacent to the nasal cavity, in which there are openings (choanae). With their help, air enters the human nasopharynx. You can understand how this process occurs in the photo, which clearly shows the holes in the nasopharynx.

It is most convenient for users to study the structure of the nasopharynx and larynx in pictures. Thanks to the visual representation, you can quickly figure out where the occipital or lower part of the organ is located.

Holes in the side wall lead to the auditory tubes. In this way the environment is connected to the middle ear. Sound waves hit eardrums and cause vibrations.

The nasopharynx is a unique organ that unites almost all the voids in the human skull.

The tonsils are adjacent to the upper wall of a person. They consist of tissues of the lymphatic system and take part in the formation of the patient’s immunity. Detailed diagram the structure of the nasopharynx helps people understand its composition and functions.

The nasopharyngeal tonsils include:

adenoids;
palatal formations, which are located on both sides;
lingual tonsil.

This structure serves to protect the pharynx from penetration pathogenic microorganisms. In infants, cavities in the bones of the skull are at the stage of formation.

The choanae are smaller in size than those of an adult. On x-ray you will notice that they have a triangular shape.

At the age of 2 years, children experience a change in the configuration of the nasal passages. They take on a round shape. It is the choanae that provide air access from environment into the nasopharynx.

Functions

The main task of the nasopharynx is to ensure a constant supply of air to the lungs.

With the help of special receptors, a person can distinguish different odors.

There are a large number of hairs in the nasal passages. They trap harmful bacteria that can lead to infection of the nasopharynx. The protective function of the nasopharynx prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms on the mucous membranes.

Thanks to the abundance of blood vessels, the air warms up quickly. This mechanism avoids colds. The secretion of mucus is necessary for timely cleansing of the nose from pathogenic bacteria.

The upper vault serves to maintain pressure in the cranium. Pathological changes, occurring in this organ can cause constant headaches.

Features of the structure of the nasopharynx of infants

Unlike adults, in newborns this organ is not yet fully formed. Anatomy The nasopharynx may vary greatly among patients. This is due to the individual characteristics of the body.

The sinuses gradually develop and by the age of 2 years they take on an oval shape.

The peculiarity of children's bodies is that they have weaker muscles.

What diseases can occur in the nasopharynx

If symptoms of nasopharyngeal diseases appear, you should consult an otolaryngologist. The doctor understands the smallest details that can help the patient.

When examined, the following diseases may be detected in a person:

laryngitis;
angina;
pharyngitis;
paratonsillitis;
inflammation of the adenoids.

With laryngitis, the patient begins to experience inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. A bacterial infection can cause the development acute sore throat. A sign of pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat mucosa.

Conclusion

The nasopharynx is constantly in contact with air that comes from the human nasal passages. Danger to people dangerous microorganisms, which can get on mucous membranes.

Structure of the larynx

To prevent infection, there are large quantities of villi in the nasal passages. They trap harmful bacteria and help avoid various diseases.

During the process of vital activity, mucus is formed in the nasal sinuses, which constantly removes harmful components. They reach the surface of human mucous membranes from the air.

Cold air can cause colds. The temperature can be increased due to the vessels that nourish the mucous tissues. Located in the nasopharynx extensive network capillaries that nourish cells.

On the surface of this organ there are receptors designed to detect smell. The cavities in the skull connect to the hearing organs. When hit by sound waves, a person can determine the timbre, rhythm and volume of the sound.

The tonsils are located on the lateral walls of the nasopharynx. They are composed of lymphoid tissue and consist of the adenoids, palatine and lingual parts. Tonsils are directly involved in the formation of human immunity.

The cavity that connects the nasal passages and the middle part of the pharynx is the nasopharynx. Anatomists simultaneously attribute it to the upper respiratory tract and the beginning of the digestive tract. Because of this location, it is indispensable in the body and is often susceptible to various diseases.

Human structure

The upper part of the pharynx is conventionally divided into the following subsections:

upper;
intermediate;
lower.

For convenience, anatomists and otorhinolaryngologists distinguish the organs of the oropharynx, nasopharynx and pharynx itself.

Anatomy of the nasopharynx

It is connected to the passages of the nose through small oval openings - the choana. The structure of the nasopharynx is such that the upper wall is in contact with the sphenoid bone and the occipital bone. Rear end The nasopharynx borders the cervical vertebrae (1 and 2). In the lateral ones there are openings of the auditory (Eustachian) tubes. The middle ear connects to the nasopharynx through the auditory tubes.

The muscles of the nasopharynx are represented by small branched bundles. The nasal mucosa contains glands and goblet cells that are responsible for producing mucus and humidifying the inhaled air. The structure also determines that there are many vessels here that help warm the cold air. The mucosa also contains olfactory receptors.

The anatomy of the nasopharynx in newborns differs from that in adults. In a newborn baby, this organ is not fully formed. The sinuses grow quickly and become the usual oval shape by the age of 2 years. All departments have been preserved, but the implementation of some functions is impossible at this moment. The muscles of the nasopharynx in children are less developed.

Oropharynx

The oropharynx is located at the level of the 3rd and 4th vertebrae of the neck, limited only by two walls: the lateral and the posterior. It is designed in such a way that it is in this place that the respiratory and digestive system intersect. The soft palate is separated from the oral cavity by the root of the tongue and the arches of the soft palate. A special mucous fold serves as a “flap” that isolates the nasopharynx during the act of swallowing and speech.

The pharynx has tonsils on its surfaces (upper and lateral). This accumulation of lymphoid tissue is called: pharyngeal and tubal tonsils. Below is a cross-section of the pharynx, which will help you better imagine what it looks like.

Facial sinuses

The structure of the skull is such that in the front part there are sinuses (special cavities filled with air). The mucous membrane differs little in structure from the mucous cavity, but it is thinner. Histological examination does not reveal cavernous tissue, while the nasal cavity contains it. U ordinary person sinuses are filled with air. Highlight:

maxillary (maxillary);
frontal;
ethmoid bone (ethmoid sinuses);
sphenoid sinuses.

At birth, not all sinuses are formed. By 12 months, the last sinuses, the frontal ones, finish forming. The maxillary sinuses are the largest. These are paired sinuses. They settled in upper jaw. Their structure is such that they communicate with the passages of the nose through an exit under the lower passage.

The frontal bone has sinuses, the location of which determines their name. The frontal sinuses communicate with the nasal passages through the nasofrontal canal. They are paired. The sinuses of the ethmoid bone are represented by cells that are separated by bone plates. These cells pass through vascular bundles and nerves. There are 2 such sinuses. Behind the superior concha of the nose, the sphenoid sinus is located. It is also called the main one. It opens into a wedge-ethmoid recess. She is not a couple. The table shows the functions performed by the paranasal sinuses.

Functions

The function of the nasopharynx is to bring air from the environment to the lungs.

The structure of the nasopharynx determines its functions:

The main function of the nasopharynx is to conduct air from the environment to the lungs.
Performs an olfactory function. It generates a signal about the arrival of the smell in the nasal part, the formation of an impulse and its conduction to the brain thanks to the receptors that are localized here.
It performs a protective function due to the structural features of the mucous membrane. The presence of mucus, hairs and a rich blood network helps clean and warm the air, protecting the lower respiratory tract. Tonsils play an important role in protecting the body from pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
It also implements a resonator function. The sinuses and vocal cords, located in the pharynx, create sound with a different timbre, which makes each individual unique.
Maintaining pressure in the cranium. By connecting the ear to the external environment, the nasopharynx allows you to maintain the necessary pressure.

Possible diseases

It is susceptible to various diseases due to its location and its functions. All diseases can be divided into groups:

inflammatory;
allergic;
oncological;
injuries.

Table of diseases.

Diseases	Symptoms	Predisposing factors
Inflammatory	1. Deterioration general condition, malaise, weakness, fever.	1. Hypothermia.
	2. Sore throat.	2. Reduced immunity.
	3. Redness of the throat, enlarged tonsils.	3. Contact with sick people.
	4. Sore throat.	4. Being in large cluster people during the high morbidity season.
	5. Congestion, nasal discharge.
Allergic	1. Itching.	1. Contact with an allergen.
	2. Redness.	2. Burdened heredity.
	3. Nasal discharge.	3. History of allergic reactions.
	4. Sore throat.	4. Flowering season.
	5. Watery eyes.
Oncological	1. Presence of a neoplasm.	1. Burdened heredity.
	2. Difficulty breathing.	2 Smoking.
	3. Difficulty swallowing.	3. Contact with a source of gamma radiation (work in an X-ray room, etc.).
	4. Drastic weight loss of more than 7-10 kg per month.
	5. General malaise, weakness, enlarged tonsils, lymph nodes.
	6. Temperature around 37°C for more than 2 weeks.
Injury	1. Sharp pain.	1. History of trauma.
	2. Bleeding.
	3. Crepitation of bones.
	4. Swelling of the affected area.
	5. Redness of the affected area.

Treatment and prevention

The doctor makes prescriptions depending on the nosology. If this is an inflammatory disease, then the treatment looks like this:

to reduce temperature “Aspirin”, “Paracetamol”;
antiseptics: “Septefril”, “Septolete”;
gargling: “Chlorphilipt”, soda with iodine;
nasal drops (“Galazolin”, “Aquamaris”);
if necessary, antibiotics;
probiotics (Linex).

Hypothermia is contraindicated. It is worth keeping your immune system in good shape, and during the “dangerous” seasons (autumn, spring) to stay in large crowds as little as possible. If this is an allergic disease, then you should take the following medications:

antiallergic (“Citrine”, “Laratodin”);
nasal drops (“Galazolin”).

Prevention is to take antiallergic medications during the flowering season and avoid contact with allergens.

If it is oncology, then self-medication is contraindicated and an urgent consultation with an oncologist is needed. Only he will prescribe the correct therapy and determine the prognosis of the disease. Prevention oncological diseases smoking cessation, adherence to healthy image life, maximum stress avoidance.

The injury is treated as follows:

cold on the injured area of the body;
anesthesia;
in case of bleeding - tamponade, drug control of bleeding (hemostatic therapy, transfusion of blood substitutes);
Further assistance will only be provided in a hospital.

Diagnostics

Depends on the type of pathology and includes

patient interview;
inspection;
analysis of blood, urine, nasal discharge;
swab from the nose, oropharyngeal ring;
X-ray of the sinuses and bones of the skull;
endoscopic research methods.