RETROPHARYNX Meaning and
Definition
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The retropharynx is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific region located at the back of the throat. It is a part of the pharynx, which is a muscular tube connecting the oral cavity with the esophagus and the larynx. More specifically, the retropharynx is the posterior or backward region of the pharynx, lying behind or posterior to the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and the oropharynx.
This anatomical structure starts at the base of the skull and extends downwards to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. It serves as a passageway for food, liquids, and air. The retropharynx is lined with mucous membranes that produce mucus to aid in lubrication and facilitate swallowing.
The retropharynx is of clinical importance because it is closely related to other vital structures, such as the cervical vertebrae, the esophagus, and major blood vessels. It is also closely associated with the lymph nodal chain located in this region, which plays a crucial role in the immune system's defense against infections.
Conditions affecting the retropharynx can include retropharyngeal abscesses (collections of pus), retropharyngeal tumors, or retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes). Medical professionals may examine the retropharynx using imaging techniques like X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose and treat any abnormalities in this region.
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The posterior part of the pharynx.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RETROPHARYNX
- retropharinx
- retropharqnx
- retropharxnx
- retrophary.x
- retropharyfx
- retropharylx
- retropharyox
- retropharyn8
- retropharynh
- retropharynp
- retropharyny
- r etropharynx
- re tropharynx
- ret ropharynx
- retr opharynx
- retroph arynx
- retropha rynx
- retrophar ynx
- retrophary nx
- retropharyn x
Etymology of RETROPHARYNX
The word "retropharynx" has its origin in the combination of two Greek roots: "retro-" and "pharynx".
1. "Retro-" is a prefix in English, derived from the Latin word "retro", meaning "backward" or "behind". It denotes a backward or reverse direction.
2. "Pharynx" comes from the Greek word "phárynx" (φάρυγξ), which refers to the throat or the muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus.
By combining these two roots, "retropharynx" is formed, referring to the anatomical region located behind the pharynx. It specifically describes the area between the posterior wall of the pharynx and the prevertebral fascia, which is a layer of connective tissue located in the neck region.
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