The Mouth and Pharynx

The Mouth and Pharynx I. Anatomy and Physiology

A. Papillae – rough elevations on tongue (large vallate papillae on back of tongue)

B. Hard palate – composed of bone

C. Soft palate

D. Anterior tonsillar pillar – anterior portions of arch

E. Posterior tonsillar pillar – posterior to arch

F. Tonsils – located in fossae or cavities between anterior and posterior pillars

G. Uvula – projects downward from middle of soft palate

H. Throat or pharynx extends from base of skull to esophagus. Has three divisions.

I. Adenoids

J. Under surface of tongue

K. Teeth

 Deciduous (temporary) teeth

 Permanent teeth II. Techniques

A. Check lips

1. Color

2. Lumps, ulcers, cracking, inflammation

3. Cheilitis – inflammation of lips caused by poor hygiene, overexposure to sun or wind, cosmetics

4. Cheilosis – red lips with cracks or fissures in corner of mouth. Also called angular stomatitis or angular cheilitis

B. With good light and tongue blade, inspect buccal mucosa

C. Check teeth

D. Check gums – usually pink and firm

 Gingivitis is inflammation of gums. They become red and swollen

E. Check tongue – normal white coating with pink base through which papillae show (normal finding)

 Good area to detect jaundice

 Dryness, cracking and lack of saliva suggest dehydration

F. Check palate – tilt head back

 Soft palate – pink with vessels under mucosa

 Hard palate – whiter, irregular

G. Check oropharynx

1. Anterior pillars

2. Tonsils

3. Posterior pillars

4. Uvula H. Pharyngitis – sore throat

1. Causes

 10% group A beta hemolytic streptococcus. This is very serious because antibodies against these bacteria can destroy heart valves (leading to need for valve replacement) and/or nephrons (leading to renal failure)

 90% viral or other bacterial etiology