Passavant's ridge

Passavant's ridge is a notable anatomical feature located in the pharynx. It is named after the German anatomist Philipp Passavant who described it in the 19th century. This ridge is a transverse elevation at the back of the nasopharynx, formed by the contraction of the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx during swallowing. Its primary function is to help seal the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity during the act of swallowing.

Function

The main function of Passavant's ridge is to aid in the proper direction of food and liquid from the mouth to the esophagus, ensuring that these substances do not enter the nasal passages. It does so by elevating and coming into contact with the soft palate, thus closing off the nasopharynx. This action is crucial for the efficient and safe swallowing mechanism, known as deglutition.

Anatomy

Passavant's ridge is not a permanent anatomical structure but rather a dynamic one that appears during the act of swallowing due to the contraction of the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx. The ridge is located at the border of the nasopharynx and oropharynx, playing a key role in the complex process of swallowing.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities or weaknesses in Passavant's ridge can lead to velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a condition where there is an inadequate closure of the velopharyngeal sphincter, leading to symptoms such as hypernasal speech and regurgitation of food through the nose. Diagnosis and treatment of VPI often involve a multidisciplinary approach, including speech therapy, surgical intervention, and sometimes the use of prosthetic devices to aid in the closure of the velopharyngeal sphincter.

See Also

• Pharynx
• Swallowing
• Velopharyngeal insufficiency
• Superior constrictor muscle