## Anatomy of Pharyngeal Divisions ### Nasopharynx Boundaries **Key Point:** The nasopharynx extends from the base of the skull superiorly to the soft palate inferiorly. The soft palate (velum palatinum) forms the inferior boundary and separates the nasopharynx from the oropharynx during swallowing. ### Three Divisions of the Pharynx | Division | Superior Boundary | Inferior Boundary | Key Features | |----------|-------------------|-------------------|---------------| | **Nasopharynx** | Base of skull | Soft palate | Contains adenoid, Eustachian tube opening, respiratory function | | **Oropharynx** | Soft palate | Epiglottis | Contains palatine tonsils, lingual tonsil, mixed function | | **Laryngopharynx** | Epiglottis | Cricoid cartilage (C6 level) | Piriform fossae, post-cricoid region, purely digestive | **High-Yield:** The soft palate is the anatomical landmark that demarcates the nasopharynx from the oropharynx. During swallowing, the soft palate elevates to close off the nasopharynx and prevent nasal regurgitation. **Mnemonic:** **NOL** = **N**asopharynx (soft **P**alate below), **O**ropharynx (**E**piglottis below), **L**aryngopharynx (**C**ricoid below). 
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