Which of these statements about the pharynx is true?
A. It extends from the nasal and oral cavities superiorly to the esophagus anteriorly.
B. The oropharynx is continuous superiorly with the nasopharynx.
C. The nasopharynx is involved in digestion.
D. The laryngopharynx is composed partially of cartilage.
d) The laryngopharynx is composed partially of cartilage.
- True: The statement that the laryngopharynx is composed partially of cartilage is true. The pharynx, commonly known as the throat, is a muscular tube that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. It serves as a passageway for both air and food. The pharynx is divided into three regions: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
a) It extends from the nasal and oral cavities superiorly to the esophagus anteriorly.
- False: The pharynx extends from the nasal and oral cavities superiorly to the esophagus and larynx inferiorly, not anteriorly.
b) The oropharynx is continuous superiorly with the nasopharynx.
- False: The oropharynx is continuous inferiorly with the oral cavity, not superiorly with the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is continuous superiorly with the nasal cavity.
c) The nasopharynx is involved in digestion.
- False: The nasopharynx is primarily involved in respiration and the passage of air. It contains the openings of the auditory tubes and tonsils but is not directly involved in digestion.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.