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Age-related features of the pharynx
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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The pharynx of a newborn has the shape of a funnel with a high and wide upper part and a short narrow lower part. The lower edge of the pharynx in a newborn is at the level of the intervertebral disc between the bodies of the III and IV cervical vertebrae, at the end of the second childhood period (11-12 years) - at the level of the V-VI cervical vertebra, and in adolescence - at the level of the VI-VII cervical vertebra. The nasal part of the pharynx is short, the arch is flattened. The length of the pharynx in a newborn is about 3 cm, the transverse size is 2.1-2.5 cm, the anteroposterior - 1.8 cm. By the age of 2 years, the nasal part of the pharynx increases by 2 times. The pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube in a newborn is located at the level of the hard palate, close to the soft palate, has the appearance of a slit, gapes. At the age of 2-4 years, the opening moves upward and backward, and by 12-14 years it retains a slit-like shape or becomes oval.
The tonsils develop most rapidly during the first two years, and then grow more slowly. The pharyngeal tonsil in a newborn is located in the thickness of the mucous membrane of the upper posterior wall of the pharynx and protrudes forward. During the first year of life, the tonsil increases in size. At 12-14 years, a period of partial reverse development begins. After 20-22 years, the size of the pharyngeal tonsil changes little.
In a newborn, the tubal tonsil is located behind and below the slit-like opening of the auditory tube and is often connected behind with the pharyngeal tonsil, and below and in front with the palatine tonsil.
Innervation of the pharynx: branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, laryngeal-pharyngeal branches from the sympathetic trunk.
Blood supply: ascending pharyngeal artery (from the external carotid artery), pharyngeal branches (from the ascending palatine artery - a branch of the facial artery), pharyngeal branches (from the thyrocervical trunk). Venous outflow: through the pharyngeal plexus into the pharyngeal veins - tributaries of the internal jugular vein.
Lymph drainage: retropharyngeal, deep lateral (internal jugular) lymph nodes.
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