The pharyngeal muscles consist of skeletal muscle, that is, so-called striated muscle. Functionally, they are each composed of three pharyngeal cords and pharyngeal elevators. In humans, the pharynx is the foremost part of the digestive tract connected to the mouth. It is lined with mucous membrane and is subdivided into nasopharynx, oral pharynx and pharyngeal pharynx. Colloquially, the term “upper respiratory tract” is used for the pharynx.
What is the pharyngeal musculature?
During the process of swallowing, the pharyngeal muscles play a crucial role by lifting the pharynx and thus closing the larynx to prevent food from entering the trachea. It also plays an important role in transporting food from the pharynx into the esophagus. However, many other muscles are involved in the actual swallowing process, so it is not possible to speak of the one “swallowing muscle”. The pharyngeal muscles are large, flat muscles with fibers arranged in a fan shape. Their function is to constrict the pharynx during swallowing. A distinction is made between the upper, middle and lower pharyngeal muscles. The pharyngeal elevators, on the other hand, are relatively small and weak muscles. They are responsible for lifting the pharynx and larynx. The pharynx includes the tonsils, collections of lymphoid tissue. The external carotid artery is responsible for blood supply to the pharynx. Motor stimulation of the pharyngeal muscles is provided by the IXth and Xth cranial nerves. Cranial nerves (glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve). The pharyngeal mucosa is additionally innervated by the Vth cranial nerve (trigenic nerve). If the glossopharyngeal nerve fails, paralysis of swallowing occurs, which is one of the most important diseases of the pharynx. Pharyngitis (pharyngitis) and pharyngeal diphtheria are also known. The pharynx is likewise preferred settlement place of different carcinomas.
Anatomy and structure
The activity of the pharyngeal muscles is closely related to pathologic snoring and possible upper airway obstruction (sleep apnea). Both of these sleep-related disorders can be significantly curbed in some cases with organized training of the muscles of the palate, tongue, and pharynx. These exercises help to noticeably increase the tension of the entire respiratory musculature. This is because sleep apnea, for example, results from slackening of the relevant muscle groups during the night. Snoring also causes muscle tension in the throat to drop, narrowing the upper airways. The result is the typical fluttering noises that intensify into snoring. Often the tongue falls back and this leads to an increase in snoring. In contrast, daily singing, for example, trains the human voice and has been proven to have a positive effect on strengthening the throat muscles. Thus, the intensity and volume of snoring as well as the severity of sleep apnea could be reduced. Special training programs for the muscles of the palate have also been used successfully for some time. For example, snoring can be reduced if the tongue is pressed firmly against the lower jaw in the closed mouth for a few minutes a day. It is also recommended to take a suitable object between the teeth for ten minutes a day and bite firmly.
Function and tasks
Snoring and sleep apnea are usually mutually dependent. In patients with sleep apnea, it has been observed that periods of snoring alternate with prolonged cessation of breathing. In snoring, the upper airway remains open, while in the state of apnea, it may close completely for a second. This state can last for a few seconds, but also for around a good minute. As a rule, it is terminated by a so-called wake-up reaction, which saves those affected from possible suffocation. The slackening of the throat muscles underlying this not harmless condition occurs mainly in men over the age of 40 and in overweight people. Due to the nocturnal restlessness, they often feel unrested the following day and quickly suffer from fatigue and lack of concentration. Among drivers, the so-called microsleep is feared, which is often causally related to the nocturnal sleep disorders. Many of those affected suffer from severe and persistent headaches. It is not uncommon for them to develop depressive states.Sexual dysfunction, a strong urge to urinate at night, and excessive sweating during sleep may also be noticeable.
Diseases
Weakness of the pharyngeal muscles leads to a greater or lesser lack of oxygen in the organs of the body because of the breathing problems experienced by many sufferers. In the longer term, high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias develop from this in many cases. It cannot be ruled out that subsequent strokes may also be directly related to these irregularities. In overweight people, increased deposits of fatty substances in the area of the throat and tongue are also often the cause of sleep apnea or heavy snoring. Large or enlarged tonsils can also lead to pharyngeal constriction. The same applies to changes in the tongue and an overly voluminous uvula. Last but not least, various obstructions of the airways in the nose may be responsible for the development of sleep apnea. A slackening of the pharyngeal muscles, in turn, is promoted by excessive alcohol consumption and occasionally the use of medications such as sleeping pills. If moderation does not lead to success here, the possibility of a so-called continuous positive overpressure therapy is available to every patient. With the aid of a nasal mask, room air is supplied to prevent the upper airways from closing. By establishing a permanently constant air pressure, nighttime sleep and breathing can return to normal.
