pharyngeal isthmus


isthmus of pharynx

passage posterior to the soft palate by which the nasopharynx and oropharynx communicate (i.e., the junction of nasopharynx and oropharynx), closed during swallowing by elevation of the soft palate and contraction of the posterior fascicle of palatopharyngeus (muscle), forming a Passavant cushion. Synonym(s): isthmus pharyngis, pharyngeal isthmus

pharyngeal isthmus

The passageway between the nasopharynx and oropharynx. See also: isthmus