Pharynx in Human Anatomy MCQ Questions and Answers

1. The pharyngeal opening of the auditory (Eustachian) tube is located in the:
A) Oropharynx
B) Nasopharynx (on the lateral wall at the torus tubarius)
C) Laryngopharynx
D) Oral cavity
Answer: B) Nasopharynx (on the lateral wall at the torus tubarius)

2. The muscle that forms the palatopharyngeal fold is the:
A) Stylopharyngeus
B) Palatopharyngeus
C) Salpingopharyngeus
D) Superior constrictor
Answer: B) Palatopharyngeus

3. The mucosal recess posterior to the torus tubarius (common site for nasopharyngeal carcinoma) is called the:
A) Piriform fossa
B) Vallecula
C) Pharyngeal recess (Rosenmüller’s fossa)
D) Tonsillar crypt
Answer: C) Pharyngeal recess (Rosenmüller’s fossa)

4. Motor innervation to most pharyngeal muscles is supplied by:
A) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) exclusively
B) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
C) Pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve (CN X) via pharyngeal plexus
D) Mandibular division of trigeminal (V3)
Answer: C) Pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve (CN X) via pharyngeal plexus

5. The stylopharyngeus muscle is uniquely innervated by:
A) Vagus nerve (CN X)
B) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
C) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
D) Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Answer: C) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

6. The pharyngeal constrictor muscles insert anteriorly into the:
A) Hyoid bone only
B) Median pharyngeal raphe
C) Thyroid cartilage
D) Pterygomandibular raphe only
Answer: B) Median pharyngeal raphe

7. Zenker’s diverticulum usually arises through a weak area between which muscles?
A) Superior constrictor and stylopharyngeus
B) Middle and inferior constrictors
C) Between inferior pharyngeal constrictor (cricopharyngeus) and middle constrictor (Killian’s dehiscence)
D) Between superior constrictor and middle constrictor
Answer: C) Between inferior pharyngeal constrictor (cricopharyngeus) and middle constrictor (Killian’s dehiscence)

8. The piriform fossa is an important surgical landmark; it is located in the:
A) Nasopharynx lateral wall
B) Laryngopharynx lateral to the laryngeal inlet
C) Oropharynx between palatoglossal folds
D) Floor of mouth
Answer: B) Laryngopharynx lateral to the laryngeal inlet

9. Sensation (general) from the oropharynx is primarily carried by which nerve?
A) Vagus nerve (CN X) only
B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
C) Maxillary nerve (V2)
D) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Answer: B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

10. The tubal tonsil is associated with which structure?
A) Palatine tonsil
B) Pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube opening
C) Lingual tonsil
D) Epiglottis
Answer: B) Pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube opening

11. The superior constrictor muscle arises from several structures — one of them is the:
A) Thyroid cartilage
B) Pterygomandibular raphe
C) Hyoid bone
D) Styloid process
Answer: B) Pterygomandibular raphe

12. The pharyngeal plexus is formed by contributions of which of the following?
A) CN V, CN XII, and sympathetic trunk
B) CN IX (sensory), CN X (motor) and sympathetic fibers from superior cervical ganglion
C) CN VII, CN V2 and CN XII
D) CN XI, CN XII and C1 fibers only
Answer: B) CN IX (sensory), CN X (motor) and sympathetic fibers from superior cervical ganglion

13. The palatine tonsil drains primarily to which lymph node?
A) Submandibular node
B) Submental node
C) Jugulodigastric (superior deep cervical) node
D) Parotid node
Answer: C) Jugulodigastric (superior deep cervical) node

14. The pharyngeal raphe attaches superiorly to the:
A) Hyoid bone
B) Pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone
C) Styloid process
D) Clivus only
Answer: B) Pharyngeal tubercle of the occipital bone

15. The tensor veli palatini contributes to the opening of the auditory tube by:
A) Elevating the soft palate only
B) Tensing the soft palate and pulling on the hamulus to open the pharyngotympanic tube
C) Depressing the soft palate to close the tube
D) Directly inserting into the tube lumen
Answer: B) Tensing the soft palate and pulling on the hamulus to open the pharyngotympanic tube

16. The superior laryngeal nerve internal branch provides sensation to which region?
A) Nasopharynx
B) Oropharynx
C) Laryngopharynx and supraglottic larynx (internal branch)
D) Tongue anterior two-thirds
Answer: C) Laryngopharynx and supraglottic larynx (internal branch)

17. The longitudinal muscles of the pharynx include all except:
A) Stylopharyngeus
B) Salpingopharyngeus
C) Palatopharyngeus
D) Superior constrictor (this is a circular muscle)
Answer: D) Superior constrictor (this is a circular muscle)

18. The arterial supply to the pharynx includes a major branch from the external carotid known as:
A) Lingual artery only
B) Ascending pharyngeal artery
C) Superior thyroid only
D) Vertebral artery
Answer: B) Ascending pharyngeal artery

19. The retropharyngeal space lies between which fascial layers?
A) Buccopharyngeal fascia and pretracheal layer
B) Prevertebral fascia and buccopharyngeal fascia (alar space in between)
C) Buccopharyngeal (or pharyngeal) fascia anteriorly and prevertebral fascia posteriorly
D) Investing fascia and carotid sheath only
Answer: C) Buccopharyngeal (or pharyngeal) fascia anteriorly and prevertebral fascia posteriorly

20. The mucosal fold that covers the salpingopharyngeus muscle is called the:
A) Palatoglossal fold
B) Palatopharyngeal fold
C) Torus tubarius
D) Salpingopharyngeal fold
Answer: D) Salpingopharyngeal fold

21. Which of the following muscles forms the upper esophageal sphincter?
A) Superior constrictor alone
B) Middle constrictor only
C) Cricopharyngeus (part of inferior constrictor)
D) Longitudinal pharyngeal muscles
Answer: C) Cricopharyngeus (part of inferior constrictor)

22. The palatopharyngeus muscle assists in which action during swallowing?
A) Depressing larynx only
B) Elevating the pharynx and narrowing the oropharynx
C) Opening the auditory tube
D) Protruding the tongue
Answer: B) Elevating the pharynx and narrowing the oropharynx

23. The sensory innervation of the nasopharynx mucosa (roof and posterior wall) is mainly via branches of:
A) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
B) Maxillary division of trigeminal (V2) — pharyngeal branches from pterygopalatine ganglion
C) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
D) Vagus nerve (CN X)
Answer: B) Maxillary division of trigeminal (V2) — pharyngeal branches from pterygopalatine ganglion

24. The pharyngeal (Waldeyer’s) tonsillar ring does NOT include which of the following?
A) Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid)
B) Palatine tonsil
C) Lingual tonsil
D) Submandibular gland
Answer: D) Submandibular gland

25. The inferior constrictor has two parts named according to their attachment; these are:
A) Thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus
B) Stylopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus
C) Thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus
D) Palatopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus
Answer: A) Thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus

26. Which nerve lies in the tonsillar bed and is at risk during tonsillectomy?
A) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
C) Vagus nerve (CN X)
D) Facial nerve (CN VII)
Answer: B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

27. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes drain primarily into the:
A) Submandibular nodes only
B) Deep cervical nodes (particularly jugular chain)
C) Superficial cervical nodes only
D) Parotid nodes
Answer: B) Deep cervical nodes (particularly jugular chain)

28. The white line on the lateral wall of the pharynx marking the boundary of mucosa where tonsillitis most commonly causes bleeding is associated with the:
A) Torus tubarius
B) Tonsillar bed (where tonsillar branch of facial artery lies)
C) Piriform fossa
D) Vallecula
Answer: B) Tonsillar bed (where tonsillar branch of facial artery lies)

29. The piriform fossa is bounded medially by the:
A) Postcricoid area only
B) Aryepiglottic fold and laryngeal inlet (medial boundary)
C) Lateral pharyngeal wall only
D) Base of tongue only
Answer: B) Aryepiglottic fold and laryngeal inlet (medial boundary)

30. The superior cervical sympathetic ganglion contributes which type of fibers to the pharyngeal plexus?
A) Motor parasympathetic fibers
B) Sympathetic vasomotor fibers
C) Sensory fibers for gag reflex
D) Taste fibers to the tonsils
Answer: B) Sympathetic vasomotor fibers

31. The oropharyngeal isthmus is formed anteriorly by the:
A) Palatopharyngeal fold
B) Palatoglossal arches (anterior faucial pillars)
C) Uvula only
D) Nasal septum
Answer: B) Palatoglossal arches (anterior faucial pillars)

32. The lymph drainage from the posterior pharyngeal wall principally drains into the:
A) Submental nodes
B) Submandibular nodes
C) Retropharyngeal nodes and then deep cervical nodes
D) Parotid nodes
Answer: C) Retropharyngeal nodes and then deep cervical nodes

33. The muscle that helps to elevate the larynx during swallowing and also opens the auditory tube is:
A) Stylopharyngeus only
B) Palatopharyngeus only
C) Salpingopharyngeus
D) Superior constrictor
Answer: C) Salpingopharyngeus

34. The glossoepiglottic folds are located between the:
A) Palate and pharynx
B) Tongue and epiglottis (median and lateral glossoepiglottic folds around the valleculae)
C) Arytenoids and cricoid
D) Tonsils and posterior pharynx
Answer: B) Tongue and epiglottis (median and lateral glossoepiglottic folds around the valleculae)

35. The vallecula is important clinically because it:
A) Is a major lymph node site
B) Is a depression used as a landmark during intubation (between tongue base and epiglottis)
C) Contains the palatine tonsil
D) Is the opening of the auditory tube
Answer: B) Is a depression used as a landmark during intubation (between tongue base and epiglottis)

36. The pharyngeal part of the tongue (posterior 1/3) is separated from the oral part by the:
A) Median sulcus
B) Sulcus terminalis (terminal sulcus)
C) Palatoglossal fold
D) Foramen cecum only
Answer: B) Sulcus terminalis (terminal sulcus)

37. The inferior margin of the nasopharynx anteriorly is formed by the:
A) Soft palate
B) Soft palate (when elevated) and the posterior choanae form the inferior boundary when palate is at rest)
C) Hard palate only
D) Uvula only
Answer: B) Soft palate (when elevated) and the posterior choanae form the inferior boundary when palate is at rest)

38. The pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve reaches the pharynx by passing over the surface of which structure?
A) Greater cornu of hyoid
B) Middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle
C) Thyroid cartilage lamina
D) Mandible angle
Answer: B) Middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle

39. Lesion of glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) results in loss of which reflex?
A) Cough reflex afferent
B) Gag reflex afferent (loss of sensory limb)
C) Motor limb of gag reflex exclusively
D) Swallow reflex motor component
Answer: B) Gag reflex afferent (loss of sensory limb)

40. Pharyngeal diverticulum projecting laterally and inferiorly from the piriform fossa commonly risks injury to which nerve?
A) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
B) Recurrent laryngeal nerve (entering larynx near piriform fossa area)
C) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
D) Lingual nerve
Answer: B) Recurrent laryngeal nerve (entering larynx near piriform fossa area)

41. The mucosa of the nasal side of the pharynx (nasopharynx) is continuous anteriorly with the:
A) Oral cavity mucosa
B) Nasal cavity mucosa via the choanae
C) Laryngeal mucosa directly
D) External skin via orifice
Answer: B) Nasal cavity mucosa via the choanae

42. The superior constrictor, middle constrictor and inferior constrictor are collectively responsible for:
A) Elevation of the pharynx only
B) Sequential constriction of the pharynx to propel the bolus during swallowing
C) Opening of the auditory tube
D) Taste sensation to the posterior tongue
Answer: B) Sequential constriction of the pharynx to propel the bolus during swallowing

43. Pharyngeal branches of the ascending pharyngeal artery are usually branches of which main vessel?
A) Internal carotid artery
B) External carotid artery
C) Superior thyroid artery only
D) Vertebral artery
Answer: B) External carotid artery

44. The piriform fossa is a common site where swallowed fish bones may lodge; the mucosa here is supplied by:
A) Maxillary nerve (V2)
B) Internal laryngeal branch of superior laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus)
C) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
D) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Answer: B) Internal laryngeal branch of superior laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus)

45. The pharyngeal tubercle is located on which bone?
A) Sphenoid
B) Occipital bone (basilar part)
C) Temporal bone
D) Palatine bone
Answer: B) Occipital bone (basilar part)

46. Swallowing (deglutition) phases include all EXCEPT:
A) Oral preparatory phase
B) Pharyngeal phase
C) Pulmonary phase
D) Esophageal phase
Answer: C) Pulmonary phase

47. The laryngopharynx extends from the superior border of the epiglottis to the:
A) Soft palate
B) Inferior border of the cricoid cartilage where it becomes continuous with the oesophagus
C) Hyoid bone only
D) Hard palate
Answer: B) Inferior border of the cricoid cartilage where it becomes continuous with the oesophagus

48. The roof of the nasopharynx contains which lymphoid tissue?
A) Palatine tonsil
B) Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid)
C) Lingual tonsil
D) Submandibular nodes
Answer: B) Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid)

49. The palatine tonsil lies in the tonsillar fossa between which two muscles?
A) Palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus
B) Palatoglossus (anterior pillar) and palatopharyngeus (posterior pillar)
C) Superior constrictor and middle constrictor
D) Styloglossus and hyoglossus
Answer: B) Palatoglossus (anterior pillar) and palatopharyngeus (posterior pillar)

50. The superior constrictor receives motor innervation via:
A) Mandibular branch of trigeminal only
B) Glossopharyngeal nerve directly
C) Pharyngeal plexus (predominantly vagus nerve fibers)
D) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Answer: C) Pharyngeal plexus (predominantly vagus nerve fibers)

51. The laryngopharyngeal inlet is bounded anteriorly by the:
A) Base of tongue
B) Epiglottis
C) Hyoid bone
D) Uvula
Answer: B) Epiglottis

52. The tonsillar branch of the facial artery primarily supplies which structure?
A) Nasopharynx mucosa only
B) Palatine tonsil
C) Thyroid gland
D) Submandibular gland
Answer: B) Palatine tonsil

53. The function of the pharyngobasilar fascia is to:
A) Form the anterior wall of the larynx
B) Provide a thickening of the pharyngeal wall between mucosa and constrictor muscles (reinforcement of pharyngeal wall)
C) Attach the pharynx to the hyoid bone only
D) Drain lymph from pharynx
Answer: B) Provide a thickening of the pharyngeal wall between mucosa and constrictor muscles (reinforcement of pharyngeal wall)

54. The gap between superior constrictor and base of skull transmits which structure?
A) Internal jugular vein
B) Eustachian (auditory) tube and levator veli palatini in nasopharynx region
C) Recurrent laryngeal nerve
D) Hypoglossal nerve
Answer: B) Eustachian (auditory) tube and levator veli palatini in nasopharynx region

55. The nasopharynx communicates with the middle ear via the:
A) Laryngeal inlet
B) Palatine tonsil
C) Pharyngotympanic (auditory/Eustachian) tube
D) Piriform fossa
Answer: C) Pharyngotympanic (auditory/Eustachian) tube

56. The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies taste to which region?
A) Anterior two-thirds of tongue
B) Base of tongue only
C) Posterior one-third of tongue and oropharynx taste sensation
D) Epiglottic vallecula only
Answer: C) Posterior one-third of tongue and oropharynx taste sensation

57. The muscle that tenses the pharyngeal wall and helps close the nasopharynx during swallowing is:
A) Styloglossus
B) Tensor veli palatini (via tensing of soft palate) and levator veli palatini also contribute to closure
C) Cricopharyngeus only
D) Genioglossus
Answer: B) Tensor veli palatini (via tensing of soft palate) and levator veli palatini also contribute to closure

58. The pharyngeal plexus lies on the surface of which muscle?
A) Superior constrictor muscle
B) Middle constrictor muscle (surface where pharyngeal plexus fibers intermingle)
C) Inferior constrictor only
D) Stylopharyngeus only
Answer: B) Middle constrictor muscle (surface where pharyngeal plexus fibers intermingle)

59. The posterior cricoarytenoid muscles are antagonists to which action relevant to the pharynx?
A) Elevation of larynx in swallowing
B) They abduct the vocal cords (not a pharyngeal constrictor) — important for airway protection during swallowing via coordination
C) Constriction of pharynx directly
D) Opening of auditory tube
Answer: B) They abduct the vocal cords (not a pharyngeal constrictor) — important for airway protection during swallowing via coordination

60. The histological lining of the laryngopharynx is predominantly:
A) Respiratory epithelium (pseudostratified ciliated columnar)
B) Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
C) Simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells
D) Keratinized stratified squamous only
Answer: B) Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

61. The pharyngeal plexus motor fibers to pharynx are mainly derived from the nucleus ambiguus via which cranial nerve?
A) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
B) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
C) Vagus nerve (CN X)
D) Facial nerve (CN VII)
Answer: C) Vagus nerve (CN X)

62. The retropharyngeal space infections can spread inferiorly into the posterior mediastinum because it extends down to the level of the:
A) Upper thoracic inlet only
B) Superior mediastinum (and potentially into posterior mediastinum)
C) Heart apex only
D) Parotid gland
Answer: B) Superior mediastinum (and potentially into posterior mediastinum)

63. The fold formed by palatoglossus muscle is called the:
A) Palatopharyngeal fold
B) Palatoglossal fold (anterior faucial pillar)
C) Torus tubarius
D) Salpingopharyngeal fold
Answer: B) Palatoglossal fold (anterior faucial pillar)

64. The innervation of the upper part of the pharynx (roof) is mainly by:
A) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
B) Maxillary nerve (V2) via pharyngeal branches
C) Mandibular nerve (V3)
D) Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Answer: B) Maxillary nerve (V2) via pharyngeal branches

65. Surgical drainage of a parapharyngeal abscess must avoid damage to which structure that forms the lateral boundary of the pharynx?
A) Palatoglossus muscle only
B) Pterygomandibular raphe and underlying superior constrictor/pterygomandibular region (adjacent to neurovascular structures)
C) Torus tubarius
D) Uvula
Answer: B) Pterygomandibular raphe and underlying superior constrictor/pterygomandibular region (adjacent to neurovascular structures)

66. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes are also referred to as:
A) Jugulodigastric nodes
B) Node of Rouvière (in some contexts) / lateral retropharyngeal nodes
C) Submental nodes
D) Parotid nodes
Answer: B) Node of Rouvière (in some contexts) / lateral retropharyngeal nodes

67. The pharyngeal plexus conveys parasympathetic secretomotor fibers to the mucous glands of the pharynx via preganglionic fibers that travel in which nerve before joining the plexus?
A) Glossopharyngeal directly
B) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
C) Vagus nerve (CN X) preganglionic parasympathetic fibers via pharyngeal branches)
D) Facial nerve (CN VII) exclusively
Answer: C) Vagus nerve (CN X) preganglionic parasympathetic fibers via pharyngeal branches)

68. The laryngeal inlet is closed during swallowing mainly by which action?
A) Abduction of vocal cords only
B) Elevation of the larynx and tilting of the epiglottis posteriorly
C) Depression of the soft palate only
D) Contraction of the cricopharyngeus only
Answer: B) Elevation of the larynx and tilting of the epiglottis posteriorly

69. The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve pierces which membrane to enter the larynx?
A) Thyrohyoid membrane
B) Cricothyroid membrane
C) Thyrohyoid membrane (pierces with internal laryngeal nerve)
D) Buccopharyngeal fascia
Answer: C) Thyrohyoid membrane (pierces with internal laryngeal nerve)

70. The tarry (melena) colored blood from posterior epistaxis that tracks into the pharynx shows that bleeding may be coming from which region?
A) Anterior nasal septum only
B) Posterolateral nasal wall or sphenopalatine artery branches into nasopharynx region
C) Oral cavity only
D) Larynx exclusively
Answer: B) Posterolateral nasal wall or sphenopalatine artery branches into nasopharynx region

71. The pharyngeal constrictor gap transmitting the internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal artery is between which muscles?
A) Superior and middle constrictor (gap 1)
B) Middle and inferior constrictor (gap 2)
C) Between middle and inferior constrictors (where internal laryngeal vessels/nerves pass toward larynx)
D) Inferior constrictor and esophagus only
Answer: C) Between middle and inferior constrictors (where internal laryngeal vessels/nerves pass toward larynx)

72. The fibres of the pharyngobasilar fascia are most prominent in which area?
A) Over the inferior constrictor only
B) Posterior superior pharyngeal wall (reinforcing areas where buccopharyngeal fascia is thin)
C) Lateral wall of piriform fossa only
D) Vallecula exclusively
Answer: B) Posterior superior pharyngeal wall (reinforcing areas where buccopharyngeal fascia is thin)

73. The palatine tonsil’s crypts are formed by invaginations of:
A) Cartilage only
B) Mucosal epithelium of the tonsillar fossa
C) Muscle fibers of palatoglossus
D) Pharyngeal raphe
Answer: B) Mucosal epithelium of the tonsillar fossa

74. A lesion of the vagus nerve (CN X) at the pharyngeal branch will produce which sign?
A) Loss of taste on anterior tongue only
B) Palatal droop on the affected side and difficulty in swallowing due to paralysis of levator veli palatini and palatopharyngeus
C) Tongue deviation to opposite side
D) Loss of sensation from anterior 2/3 of tongue
Answer: B) Palatal droop on the affected side and difficulty in swallowing due to paralysis of levator veli palatini and palatopharyngeus

75. The superior cervical sympathetic chain gives off which branch that contributes to pharyngeal plexus?
A) Cardiac nerve exclusively
B) Pharyngeal sympathetic fibers (vasomotor)
C) Lingual nerve
D) Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Answer: B) Pharyngeal sympathetic fibers (vasomotor)

76. The epiglottis is attached anteriorly to the thyroid cartilage by the:
A) Hyoepiglottic ligament
B) Thyroepiglottic ligament (also hyoepiglottic anteriorly to hyoid)
C) Cricotracheal ligament
D) Vocal ligament
Answer: B) Thyroepiglottic ligament (also hyoepiglottic anteriorly to hyoid)

77. The pharyngeal plexus supplies motor fibers to the pharynx via which specific branch?
A) Superior laryngeal nerve only
B) Pharyngeal branch of vagus (branch from the vagus contributing motor fibers via plexus)
C) External laryngeal nerve
D) Lingual nerve
Answer: B) Pharyngeal branch of vagus (branch from the vagus contributing motor fibers via plexus)

78. Pharyngeal recesses in the nasopharynx are clinically significant because they:
A) Are the main site of tonsillitis
B) Harbor nasopharyngeal carcinoma and are adjacent to Emil Rosenmüller’s fossa
C) Contain the palatine tonsils
D) Are normally absent in adults
Answer: B) Harbor nasopharyngeal carcinoma and are adjacent to Emil Rosenmüller’s fossa

79. The retropharyngeal space in children is clinically more important because:
A) It is absent in adults
B) It contains prominent lymph nodes (nodes of Rouvière) that can become infected and produce airway compromise
C) It connects directly to the pleural space
D) It drains to superficial cervical nodes only
Answer: B) It contains prominent lymph nodes (nodes of Rouvière) that can become infected and produce airway compromise

80. The fibres of the pharyngeal constrictors are oriented in which direction?
A) Longitudinally only
B) Circularly (constricting from posterior to anterior to propel bolus)
C) Obliquely from inferior to superior only
D) Randomly with no coordinated orientation
Answer: B) Circularly (constricting from posterior to anterior to propel bolus)

81. The palatoglossus is supplied motorically by:
A) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) directly
C) Pharyngeal plexus (vagus nerve fibers via pharyngeal branch)
D) Mandibular division of trigeminal (V3)
Answer: C) Pharyngeal plexus (vagus nerve fibers via pharyngeal branch)

82. The mucosal fold overlying the torus tubarius is formed by:
A) Salpingopharyngeus muscle only
B) Torus tubarius itself (mucosal elevation from cartilage of auditory tube) and surrounding folds
C) Palatoglossus muscle
D) Piriform fossa mucosa
Answer: B) Torus tubarius itself (mucosal elevation from cartilage of auditory tube) and surrounding folds

83. The cricopharyngeus portion of the inferior constrictor is tonically contracted to perform which function?
A) Propel the bolus into the stomach
B) Act as the upper esophageal sphincter preventing air entry into the oesophagus and reflux of esophageal contents
C) Elevate the larynx during swallowing only
D) Open the auditory tube
Answer: B) Act as the upper esophageal sphincter preventing air entry into the oesophagus and reflux of esophageal contents

84. The laryngopharynx lies posterior to which laryngeal landmark?
A) Aryepiglottic fold only
B) Laryngeal inlet (including epiglottis and aryepiglottic folds)
C) Tongue dorsum only
D) Uvula
Answer: B) Laryngeal inlet (including epiglottis and aryepiglottic folds)

85. The anterior wall of the nasopharynx is formed by the:
A) Soft palate only
B) Choanae (posterior nasal apertures) connecting to nasal cavity
C) Hard palate only
D) Lower margin of epiglottis
Answer: B) Choanae (posterior nasal apertures) connecting to nasal cavity

86. The muscular gap through which the glossopharyngeal nerve reaches the stylopharyngeus is between which two muscles?
A) Middle and inferior constrictor
B) Between superior and middle constrictors (stylopharyngeus passes obliquely between them)
C) Between superior constrictor and base of skull only
D) Between palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus
Answer: B) Between superior and middle constrictors (stylopharyngeus passes obliquely between them)

87. The palatine aponeurosis is associated with attachment of which muscle that elevates the pharynx?
A) Stylopharyngeus only
B) Palatopharyngeus (attaches to palatine aponeurosis and elevates pharynx)
C) Tensor veli palatini only
D) Cricopharyngeus
Answer: B) Palatopharyngeus (attaches to palatine aponeurosis and elevates pharynx)

88. The posterior cricoarytenoid muscles are most intimately involved in which protective mechanism during swallowing?
A) Closing the epiglottis entirely
B) Maintaining airway patency by abducting vocal cords between swallowing events (coordination important for airway protection)
C) Opening the auditory tube
D) Constricting the piriform fossa
Answer: B) Maintaining airway patency by abducting vocal cords between swallowing events (coordination important for airway protection)

89. The palatine tonsil is supplied by the tonsillar branch of which artery that is a branch of the facial artery?
A) Lingual artery
B) Tonsillar artery (branch of facial artery)
C) Superior thyroid artery only
D) Maxillary artery only
Answer: B) Tonsillar artery (branch of facial artery)

90. The sensory limb of the gag reflex is mediated mainly by:
A) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
C) Vagus nerve (CN X) only
D) Facial nerve (CN VII)
Answer: B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

91. The vallecula epiglottica contains which important surgical landmark?
A) Opening of Eustachian tube
B) Space used for insertion of laryngoscope blade during intubation (between epiglottis and tongue base)
C) Tonsillar crypt
D) Piriform recess
Answer: B) Space used for insertion of laryngoscope blade during intubation (between epiglottis and tongue base)

92. The pharyngeal portion of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube is reinforced by which cartilage?
A) Arytenoid cartilage
B) Torus tubarius (elevation formed by underlying cartilage of auditory tube)
C) Corniculate cartilage
D) Cricoid cartilage
Answer: B) Torus tubarius (elevation formed by underlying cartilage of auditory tube)

93. The pharyngeal muscles develop embryologically from which germ layer and pharyngeal arches?
A) Ectoderm only from first arch
B) Mesoderm of the pharyngeal arches (mainly 3rd and 4th arches with first contributing some oral part)
C) Endoderm only from third pouch
D) Neural crest exclusively
Answer: B) Mesoderm of the pharyngeal arches (mainly 3rd and 4th arches with first contributing some oral part)

94. The superior laryngeal artery, accompanying the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, is a branch of the:
A) Lingual artery
B) Facial artery
C) Superior thyroid artery (branch of external carotid)
D) Ascending pharyngeal artery
Answer: C) Superior thyroid artery (branch of external carotid)

95. The pharynx communicates anteriorly with the larynx via the:
A) Uvula
B) Laryngeal inlet (aditus laryngis)
C) Choanae
D) Pyriform sinus only
Answer: B) Laryngeal inlet (aditus laryngis)

96. The area lateral to the aryepiglottic fold and medial to the thyroid cartilage is clinically called the:
A) Vallecula
B) Piriform fossa (pyriform sinus)
C) Tonsillar fossa
D) Oropharyngeal isthmus
Answer: B) Piriform fossa (pyriform sinus)

97. The pharyngeal constrictors are innervated by branches from which cranial nerve nucleus (motor)?
A) Trigeminal motor nucleus only
B) Facial nucleus only
C) Nucleus ambiguus via vagus nerve (CN X) contributing motor fibres via pharyngeal branch
D) Hypoglossal nucleus only
Answer: C) Nucleus ambiguus via vagus nerve (CN X) contributing motor fibres via pharyngeal branch

98. The ring of lymphoid tissue that encircles the pharynx (Waldeyer’s ring) includes all EXCEPT:
A) Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid)
B) Tubal tonsils
C) Lingual tonsil
D) Submandibular gland
Answer: D) Submandibular gland

99. The posterior wall of the pharynx lies anterior to which vertebral levels in the adult?
A) C1–C2 only
B) C2–C6 (extends from base of skull to inferior border of cricoid at approx C6)
C) T1–T4
D) L1–L3
Answer: B) C2–C6 (extends from base of skull to inferior border of cricoid at approx C6)

100. During nasopharyngeal endoscopy, a tumor originating in the pharyngeal recess would most likely be seen behind which structure?
A) Palatine tonsil
B) Torus tubarius (posterolateral nasopharyngeal recess; Rosenmüller’s fossa)
C) Vallecula
D) Epiglottis
Answer: B) Torus tubarius (posterolateral nasopharyngeal recess; Rosenmüller’s fossa)