8.3. Pharyngeal Plexus
- General Feature:
- Sensory and motor innervation of the soft palate and pharynx
- Lies in the retropharyngeal space between:
- Anteriorly:
- Superior and middle pharyngeal constrictor muscles
- Posteriorly:
- Longus capitis and colli muscles
- Prevertebral fascia
- Second and third cervical vertebrae
- Composed of:
- Sensory fibers: IX, X
- Motor fibers: IX, X and XI
- Direct injury
- Surgical procedures
- Dental procedures
- Associated with brachial plexus and cervical plexus neuropraxic injuries
- Irritation induces discharge of the terminal twigs of cranial nerves IX and X
- Cranial nerve IX: cricopharyngeus muscle (the external esophageal sphincter)
- Cranial nerve X: the posterior pharyngeal constrictor muscles
- Clinical Presentation:
- Complaints that food sticks in the back of the throat; difficulty with initiation of swallowing
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