nasofaryngeaal

Nasofaryngeaal (nasopharyngeal) refers to the nasopharynx, the upper part of the pharynx located behind the nasal cavity. It forms the superior portion of the aerodigestive tract and serves as a passageway for air from the nasal cavity to the oropharynx. The nasopharynx extends from the posterior choanae to the soft palate and sits adjacent to the skull base.

The lining is a ciliated mucous membrane that helps filter and humidify inhaled air. The nasopharynx contains the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) in its roof and the openings of the pharyngotympanic (eustachian) tubes on its lateral walls. Lymphoid tissue in this region contributes to immune defense in early childhood. Blood supply chiefly arises from branches of the maxillary and ascending pharyngeal arteries; venous drainage occurs via the pharyngeal venous plexus. Innervation is through the pharyngeal plexus, with contributions from the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves.

Clinical relevance includes adenoids hypertrophy in children, which can cause nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, snoring, and recurrent otitis media. The nasopharynx is also a recognized site for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, often EBV-associated, presenting with nasal obstruction, epistaxis, or serous otitis media. Diagnosis combines nasal endoscopy or flexible nasopharyngoscopy, imaging (CT or MRI), and, when indicated, biopsy. Management depends on the condition and ranges from adenoidectomy for enlarged adenoids to radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.