Palatopharyngeal arch: Difference between revisions

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'''Palatopharyngeal Arch'''
== Palatopharyngeal Arch ==


The '''Palatopharyngeal Arch''' (also known as the '''posterior pillar''' or '''posterior arch of the soft palate''') is a curved fold of tissue that extends from the [[soft palate]] to the side of the [[pharynx]]. It is one of the two arches on either side of the [[throat]], the other being the [[palatoglossal arch]].
[[File:Gray1014.png|thumb|right|Illustration of the palatopharyngeal arch]]


==Anatomy==
The '''palatopharyngeal arch''', also known as the '''posterior pillar of the fauces''', is a structure in the human [[oral cavity]]. It is one of the two arches that form the [[fauces]], the other being the [[palatoglossal arch]].


The palatopharyngeal arch is located posterior to the [[palatoglossal arch]] and is formed by the [[palatopharyngeus muscle]]. It is covered by a mucous membrane and contains the [[palatine tonsils]] in the tonsillar fossa between it and the palatoglossal arch.
=== Anatomy ===


==Function==
The palatopharyngeal arch is formed by the [[palatopharyngeus muscle]] and is covered by a mucous membrane. It extends from the soft palate to the side of the [[pharynx]], forming a vertical fold. This arch is located posterior to the [[palatine tonsil]] and the [[palatoglossal arch]].


The palatopharyngeal arch plays a crucial role in swallowing. It helps to close off the [[nasopharynx]] during swallowing, preventing food and liquid from entering the nasal cavity.
=== Function ===


==Clinical Significance==
The primary function of the palatopharyngeal arch is to assist in the movement of the [[pharynx]] during swallowing and speech. The [[palatopharyngeus muscle]] helps elevate the pharynx and larynx, facilitating the passage of food and air.


Inflammation or infection of the palatopharyngeal arch can lead to conditions such as [[tonsillitis]] or [[pharyngitis]]. It can also be involved in sleep disorders such as [[sleep apnea]], where the arch can collapse and obstruct the airway during sleep.
=== Clinical Significance ===


==Etymology==
The palatopharyngeal arch is often examined during a [[physical examination]] of the throat. Inflammation or swelling of this area can indicate infections such as [[tonsillitis]] or [[pharyngitis]].


The term "palatopharyngeal" is derived from the Latin words "palatum" meaning "roof of the mouth" and "pharynx" meaning "throat". The term "arch" refers to the curved shape of the structure.
== Related Pages ==


==Related Terms==
* [[Palatoglossal arch]]
* [[Palatine tonsil]]
* [[Pharynx]]
* [[Soft palate]]


* [[Palatoglossal Arch]]: The anterior arch in the throat, located in front of the palatopharyngeal arch.
[[Category:Anatomy of the head and neck]]
* [[Palatine Tonsils]]: Lymphoid tissue located in the tonsillar fossa between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches.
* [[Pharynx]]: The part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, leading to the esophagus and larynx.
 
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Oral anatomy]]
[[Category:Pharynx]]
 
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Latest revision as of 11:04, 15 February 2025

Palatopharyngeal Arch[edit]

Illustration of the palatopharyngeal arch

The palatopharyngeal arch, also known as the posterior pillar of the fauces, is a structure in the human oral cavity. It is one of the two arches that form the fauces, the other being the palatoglossal arch.

Anatomy[edit]

The palatopharyngeal arch is formed by the palatopharyngeus muscle and is covered by a mucous membrane. It extends from the soft palate to the side of the pharynx, forming a vertical fold. This arch is located posterior to the palatine tonsil and the palatoglossal arch.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the palatopharyngeal arch is to assist in the movement of the pharynx during swallowing and speech. The palatopharyngeus muscle helps elevate the pharynx and larynx, facilitating the passage of food and air.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The palatopharyngeal arch is often examined during a physical examination of the throat. Inflammation or swelling of this area can indicate infections such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis.

Related Pages[edit]