Hypopharynx
The hypopharynx or laryngopharynx forms the most inferior portion of the pharynx, being the continuation of the oropharynx superiorly and both the larynx and esophagus inferiorly.
Gross anatomy
The hypopharynx begins as the continuation of the oropharynx at the pharyngoepiglottic fold (which is at the level of the hyoid bone) superiorly, and extends inferiorly to the level of the inferior aspect of the cricoid cartilage, where it continues as the cervical esophagus.
It is a mucosa-lined, muscular tube with its posterolateral walls formed by the inferior constrictor muscle and anterior wall by laryngeal cartilages. It forms part of the pharyngeal mucosal space.
Boundaries
- anteriorly: post-cricoid mucosa, posterior cricoarytenoid muscle
- posteriorly: mucosal wall, middle and inferior constrictor muscles
- superiorly: hyoid bone, glossoepiglottic and pharyngoepiglottic folds
- inferiorly: cricoid cartilage, cricopharyngeus muscle
Subsites
Three subsites of the hypopharynx are described, being pertinent to localize where squamous cell carcinoma arises:
- pyriform sinus
- postcricoid region
- posterior wall
Related pathology
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