Describe the surgical anatomy of Nasopharynx (the postnasal space).
The nasopharynx is a large space with rapid walls approximately
∼4 cm high
∼4 cm wide
∼3 cm in Antero-Posterior dimension
∼2 cm deep.
The anterior wall: chaonal orifice and posterior margin of the nasal septum
The floor: upper surface of soft palate anterior 2/3 and the nasopharyngeal isthmus
The roof and posterior wall form a continuous stopping surface bounded by
the body of the sphenoid – the basiocciput
the first a cervical vertebrate to the level of soft palate.
The upper portion of the posterior wall lies in front of the anterior arch of the atlas with a mass of lymphoid (adenoid). The prevertebral fascia and muscles separate the arytenoid from the vertebrae.
The posterior wall is ∼8 cm from the pyriform aperture along the nasal floor.
The lateral wall: Pharyngeal orifice of ET and it is located in the middle of the wall ∼1.5 cm equidistant from the roof posterior wall, choana and the floor .
Postero-superior lips: torus tubals or tubal elevation the posterior margin of torus→Fossa of Rosenmuller.
Protection