Observation of the Pharynx of the Fetal Pig

The Pharynx is dorsal to the oral cavity and has three openings:  the glottis, the esophagus and the trachea.

The pharynx is a passageway for what two substances?

Push down on the tongue to open the jaws.  You will see a flap pointed dorsally;  this is the epiglottis.  The epiglottis is the flap that covers the glottis.  The glottis is the opening between the oral cavity and the trachea. 

What is the function of the trachea?

What is the function of the epiglottis?

The opening to the esophagus is located posterior and dorsal to the glottis. 

What is the function of the esophagus?

Note that the glottis is located very close to the esophagus.

Explain the relationship between the esophagus, the epiglottis and the glottis.

Insert a blunt probe into the glottis.  Note that it enters the trachea.  Now insert the probe into the esophagus.  Notice that the esophagus is underneath the trachea.

The nasopharngeal opening is posterior to the soft palate.  The nasopharyngeal opening leads from the oral cavity to the nasal passages.

On to the Thoracic and Abdominal Cavities