Is the vallecula part of the oropharynx?

Is the vallecula part of the oropharynx?

The vallecula, which is the space between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis, forms the inferior border of the oropharynx. The muscles that form the posterior wall of the oropharynx are the overlapping superior and middle pharyngeal constrictors and their overlying mucous membrane.

What is the vallecula?

Vallecula is a term that means depression in something. The epiglottic vallecula consists of a small mucosa-lined depression (vallecula) located at the base of the tongue just between the folds of the throat on either side of the median glossoepiglottic fold.

What is the purpose of vallecula?

The valleculae can collect saliva to prevent initiation of the swallowing reflex. The vallecula is an important reference landmark used during intubation of the trachea.

What is the definition of oropharynx?

The part of the throat at the back of the mouth behind the oral cavity. It includes the back third of the tongue, the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, and the tonsils.

Where is the vallecula?

The vallecula is the air pocket found at the level of the hyoid bone just anterior to the epiglottis. The vallecula is normally well delineated, deep, and roughly perpendicular to the pharyngotracheal air column.

What is the posterior oropharynx?

The oropharynx is the portion of the pharynx that is posterior to the oral cavity. The most inferior portion of the pharynx is the laryngopharynx that extends from the hyoid bone down to the lower margin of the larynx.

What is the vallecula groove?

Definition of vallecula : an anatomical groove, channel, or depression especially : one between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis.

Where are Valleculae located?

The epiglottic vallecula consists of a small mucosa-lined depression (vallecula) located at the base of the tongue just between the folds of the throat on either side of the median glossoepiglottic fold. It is usually not seen by the naked eye as it is far back and deep at the root of the tongue.

What causes pooling in the vallecula?

Pooling occurs when a person’s swallow does not successfully send the entire mass of food or liquid into the esophagus, so that some or all of the material remains in the hypopharynx. In such cases, the material commonly pools in the vallecula and pyriform sinuses.

What does nasopharynx oropharynx mean?

The pharynx is the cavity at the back of the mouth. It is located behind the mouth and the nasal cavity the esophagus and the larynx. The oropharynx is the oral part of the pharynx, thus the name. Above the oropharynx is the nasopharynx and below it is the laryngopharynx.

What is the function of the oropharynx?

Oropharynx: The middle part of the throat connects to the oral cavity (mouth). It allows air, food and fluid to pass through. Laryngopharynx (or hypopharynx): The bottom part of the throat is near the larynx (or voice box). It regulates the passage of air to the lungs and food and fluid to the esophagus.

What does vallecula mean in anatomy?

Vallecula is a term that means depression in something. The epiglottic vallecula consists of a small mucosa lined depression (vallecula) located at the base of the tongue just between the folds of the throat on either side of the median glossoepiglottic fold.

What is the oropharynx?

Oropharynx. There is a large, exophytic mass that involves the right palatine tonsillar fossa and extends into and past the glossotonsillar sulcus into the floor of the mouth and base of the tongue ( Figure 12-8 ). The mass is firm, indurated, and friable. It bleeds with manipulation.

What are the epiglottic valleculae?

The epiglottic valleculae are paired depressions in the oropharynx located anterior to the epiglottis and posterior to the base of tongue. They are located between the lateral glossoepiglottic folds and the median glossoepiglottic fold. Vallecula is Latin for “small valley”, a combination of valles (valley) and cula (diminutive suffix).

What is the prevalence of oropharyngeal lipoma at vallecula?

Vallecula is an extremely rare site of lipoma, and very few cases are reported in the literature. Overall, the oropharyngeal lipomas constitute 1%–4% of this condition and mostly seen to involve cheek, lips, and floor of mouth, rarely at the vallecula.