Killian's dehiscence
Killian's dehiscence is a medical term referring to a specific area of weakness in the pharynx, specifically in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. This area of weakness is located between the superior constrictor muscle and the middle constrictor muscle of the pharynx. It is named after Gustav Killian, a German laryngologist.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term "dehiscence" comes from the Latin word "dehiscere", which means "to gape". It is used in medicine to describe a separation along a pre-existing line. The term "Killian's dehiscence" is named after Gustav Killian, a German laryngologist who first described this area of weakness in the pharynx.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Killian's dehiscence is located in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, between the superior constrictor muscle and the middle constrictor muscle. This area is also known as Killian's triangle. The superior constrictor muscle forms the upper boundary of this area, while the middle constrictor muscle forms the lower boundary. The lateral boundary is formed by the pharyngobasilar fascia.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Killian's dehiscence is clinically significant because it is a common site for the formation of a pharyngeal pouch, also known as a Zenker's diverticulum. This is a pouch that forms in the pharynx and can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, and bad breath. The pouch is usually formed as a result of increased pressure in the pharynx, which can occur due to conditions such as chronic cough, straining during defecation, or heavy lifting.
Related terms[edit | edit source]
- Pharynx: The part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the esophagus and larynx.
- Superior constrictor muscle: One of three pharyngeal constrictors, a group of muscles that form the pharynx.
- Middle constrictor muscle: Another one of the three pharyngeal constrictors.
- Pharyngobasilar fascia: A fibrous layer of tissue that forms the outer layer of the pharynx.
- Pharyngeal pouch: A pouch that forms in the pharynx, often at the site of Killian's dehiscence.
- Zenker's diverticulum: Another term for a pharyngeal pouch.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
