CRICOPHARYNGEAL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "cricopharyngeal" refers to the cricopharyngeal muscle, which is a circular muscle located at the upper part of the esophagus, near the larynx. This muscle plays a vital role in swallowing and preventing the backflow of food or fluids into the throat and airway.
The cricopharyngeal muscle forms a ring-like structure that acts as a sphincter, facilitating the opening and closing of the upper esophagus. During swallowing, this muscle contracts to close off the airway and prevent the entry of food or liquids into the respiratory tract. Once food has passed through the cricopharyngeal muscle, it relaxes to allow entry into the esophagus and onward to the stomach for digestion.
Sometimes, dysfunction or abnormal functioning of the cricopharyngeal muscle may occur, leading to conditions such as cricopharyngeal spasm or cricopharyngeal achalasia. Cricopharyngeal spasm involves the involuntary contraction of the muscle, leading to difficulties in swallowing and the sensation of a lump in the throat. On the other hand, cricopharyngeal achalasia involves the failure of the muscle to relax properly, resulting in similar symptoms.
Diagnosing and treating cricopharyngeal disorders typically involve a medical examination by an otolaryngologist or a speech-language pathologist. Treatment options may include swallowing therapy, medication, or in severe cases, surgical intervention to improve the function of the cricopharyngeal muscle and alleviate swallowing difficulties.
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Relating to the cricoid cartilage and the pharynx; noting a muscle, musculus cricopharyngeus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRICOPHARYNGEAL
- xricopharyngeal
- vricopharyngeal
- fricopharyngeal
- dricopharyngeal
- ceicopharyngeal
- cdicopharyngeal
- cficopharyngeal
- cticopharyngeal
- c5icopharyngeal
- c4icopharyngeal
- crucopharyngeal
- crjcopharyngeal
- crkcopharyngeal
- crocopharyngeal
- cr9copharyngeal
- cr8copharyngeal
- crixopharyngeal
- crivopharyngeal
- crifopharyngeal
- cridopharyngeal
Etymology of CRICOPHARYNGEAL
The word "cricopharyngeal" has its origins in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "krikos" (meaning "ring" or "circle") and "pharynx" (meaning "throat" or "windpipe"). Together, these two terms describe the location and function of a specific anatomical structure called the cricopharyngeus muscle, which forms a ring or circle around the upper part of the pharynx in the throat.
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