Pyriform sinus
Pyriform Sinus
The Pyriform Sinus is a part of the pharynx, specifically the hypopharynx, which is located in the human body. It is an important anatomical structure involved in the process of swallowing and is closely related to the larynx and esophagus.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The pyriform sinus is a pear-shaped recess located on either side of the laryngeal orifice. It is bounded medially by the aryepiglottic fold, laterally by the thyroid cartilage and its base, and inferiorly by the cricoid cartilage. The sinus extends from the level of the hyoid bone to the cricopharyngeus muscle.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the pyriform sinus is to act as a pathway for food and liquid during the process of swallowing. It helps direct these substances into the esophagus, bypassing the larynx to prevent aspiration.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
The pyriform sinus can be the site of various pathologies, including cancer. Pyriform sinus cancer is a type of hypopharyngeal cancer that can present with symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a lump in the neck. It is often diagnosed using endoscopy and biopsy.
Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare congenital condition that results from the persistence of the third or fourth branchial pouch. It can present with recurrent neck infections or abscesses.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD