Nasopharynx

The nasopharynx is one component of the pharynx. The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the oral cavity and the nasal cavity to the larynx and esophagus.

The nasopharynx runs from the base of the skull and the soft palate and is part of the respiratory system.

Blood Supply

The blood supply to the nasopharynx is by:

1. Ascending Pharyngeal Artery

2. Facial, Lingual and Maxillary Artery Branches

The pharyngeal venous plexus drains the nasopharynx.

Innervation

The nasopharynx is innervated by:

1. Glossopharyngeal nerve provides sensory. The anterior and superior portions of the nasopharynx are innervated by the maxillary nerve.

2. Vagus nerve provides motor innervation.