The nasopharynx is the uppermost region of the pharynx located behind the nose. It is bounded superiorly by the basiocciput and basisphenoid bones, anteriorly by the soft palate, and posteriorly by the nasopharyngeal isthmus. Structures seen in the nasopharynx include the nasopharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), nasopharyngeal bursa, Rathke's pouch, tubal tonsil, and sinus of Morgagni. The nasopharynx functions to warm and humidify air, ventilate the middle ear, and acts as a resonating chamber during speech.

1. NASOPHARYN
X
Deepak B.

2. DIVISIONS OF PHARYNX
PHARYNX
Nasopharynx Oropharynx Laryngopharynx

3. BOUNDARIE
S

4. ROOF
FLOOR
ANT.
WALL
POST.
WALL
Basisphenoid & Basiocciput
ANTERIOR - Soft Palate
POSTERIOR – Nasopharyngeal Isthmus OROPHARYNX
Arch of Atlas covered by
Prevertebral muscles and
fascia
• Posterior Nasal Apertures
(Choanae) separated by the
posterior border of nasal
septum.
• Posterior ends of nasal
turbinates & meatuses also seen
NASOPHARYNX

7. LATERAL WALL
1. Pharyngeal opening of Eustachian Tube 1.25cm behind
the posterior end of inferior turbinate.
2. Torus Tubarius due to cartilage of Eustachian Tube.
3. Fossa of Rossenmuller – site of origin of carcinoma.
4. Salpingopharyngeal Fold – from torus tubarius to lateral
pharyngeal wall, contains salpingopharyngeus muscle.

9. STRUCTURES
SEEN

10. ○ Subepithelial collection of lymphoid tissue at the
junction of the roof and posterior wall.
○ Increases in size up to 6 years age and then
atrophies.
Nasopharyngeal Tonsil (Adenoids)

11. ○ Epithelial lined median recess.
○ Extends from pharyngeal mucosa to the
periosteum of the basiocciput.
○ Represents attachment of notochord to the
pharyngeal endoderm during embryonic life.
○ May cause persistent postnasal discharge or
crusting, abscess formation (Thornwaldt
Disease.
Nasopharyngeal Bursa

12. ○ Represented clinically by a dimple above the
adenoids.
○ Reminiscent of buccal mucosal invagination,
from the anterior lobe of pituitary.
○ Craniopharyngioma may arise from it.
Rathke’s Pouch

13. ○ Collection of subepithelial lymphoid tissue at
tubal elevation.
○ Forms a part of Waldeyer’s ring.
○ May cause eustachian tube occlusion.
Tubal Tonsil

14. ○ Space between the base of the skull and upper free
border of superior constrictor muscle.
○ Structures passing through it;
1. Eustachian Tube
2. Levator veli palatini
3. Tensor veli palatini
4. Ascending palatine artery
Sinus of Morgagni

15. ○ Mucosal ridge raised by fibres of
Palatopharyngeus.
○ Encircles posterior and lateral walls of
nasopharyngeal isthmus.
○ Makes contact with soft palate during deglutition
or speech.
Passavant’s Ridge

16. Epithelial Lining
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
Lymphatic Drainage
Upper deep cervical lymph nodes either directly or through retropharyngeal and
parapharyngeal lymph nodes.
Spinal accessory chain of nodes in posterior triangle of the neck.
Contralateral lymph nodes

17. FUNCTIONS
1. Acts as a conduit, warms and humidifies air towards it’s passage to the larynx and
trachea.
2. Ventilates middle ear and equalizes air pressure on both sides of tympanic membrane
through eustachian tube.
3. Passavant’s ridge cuts off oropharynx and nasopharynx during deglutition, vomiting,
gagging and speech.
4. Resonating chamber during voice production.
5. Drainage channel for mucus from nasal & nasopharyngeal glands.

18. Thank
You