Pharyngeal bursa

The pharyngeal bursa is a small congenital recess located in the midline of the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx, behind the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids). It develops from a persistent embryological connection between the notochord and the pharyngeal endoderm that normally disappears during fetal life.

Clinical correlates

In most individuals, the pharyngeal bursa remains asymptomatic and is discovered incidentally. However, if the opening of the bursa becomes obstructed, secretions may accumulate and lead to the formation of a Tornwaldt (Thornwaldt) cyst. Patients with an enlarged or infected pharyngeal bursa may present with postnasal drip, halitosis, nasal obstruction, occipital headache, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.