Pharynx and its Divisions

The pharynx is divided into three regions. Which of the following structures marks the inferior boundary of the nasopharynx?

Which pharyngeal division is bounded superiorly by the epiglottis and inferiorly by the cricoid cartilage at the level of the C6 vertebra?

A 38-year-old man presents to the ENT clinic with a 3-week history of progressive dysphagia and a sensation of a lump in the throat. He reports difficulty swallowing solids more than liquids, and occasional ear pain on the same side. On examination, a bulge is noted in the lateral pharyngeal wall just above the soft palate. Indirect laryngoscopy reveals displacement of the lateral pharyngeal wall medially. Which pharyngeal region is most likely involved?

A 52-year-old woman undergoes endoscopy for investigation of progressive dysphagia and weight loss over 4 months. A mass is visualized in the posterior pharyngeal wall at the level of the arytenoid cartilages. Biopsy confirms squamous cell carcinoma. During surgical planning, the oncologist notes that the lesion is located in the region bounded superiorly by the epiglottis and inferiorly by the esophagus. Which pharyngeal division is involved, and what is the embryological origin of the epithelium?