Pharyngeal opening of auditory tube - Nasal cavity - Nasal cavity - e-Anatomy
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Pharyngeal opening of auditory tube

Ostium pharyngeum tubae auditivae

  • Latin synonym: Ostium pharyngeum tubae auditoriae
  • Eponym: Pharyngeal opening of eustachian tube

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The pharyngeal opening of auditory tube is the opening of the pharyngotympanic (Eustachian) tube into the lateral wall of the nasopharynx, posterior to the inferior nasal concha.

The opening is slit-like in shape and is surrounded superiorly and posteriorly by an elevation of mucosa produced by the underlying cartilage of the auditory tube, known as the torus tubarius. Extending inferiorly from the torus tubarius is the salpingopharyngeal fold, which overlies the salpingopharyngeus muscle.

Functions

Functionally, the auditory tube connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear cavity and serves to equalise air pressure across the tympanic membrane, ventilate the middle ear, and permit drainage of middle ear secretions.

Clinical correlates

  • Clinically, the close relationship between the nasopharynx and auditory tube explains the spread of infection from the upper respiratory tract to the middle ear, particularly in children, resulting in otitis media.

  • Enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) may also obstruct the pharyngeal opening of auditory tube and impair middle ear ventilation.

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References

  • Standring, S. (2015) Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Chapter 34, Pharynx.

  • Mankowski NL, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Nasopharynx. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557635/

  • Szymanski A, Agarwal A. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Ear Eustachian Tube. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482338/

  • Mnatsakanian A, Heil JR, Sharma S. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Adenoids. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538137/

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