Pharyngeal recess
Recessus pharyngeus
- Latin eponym: Recessus Rosenmülleri
- Eponym: Fossa of Rosenmüller
Definition
The pharyngeal recess (a.k.a. the fossa of Rosenmüller) is a deep mucosal recess located in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx, immediately posterior to the torus tubarius, which is the elevation formed by the cartilaginous part of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube.
Clinical correlate
The pharyngeal recess is the most common site of origin of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
References
Mudry A. Pharyngeal recess or Rosenmüller's fossa: Its first description revisited. Head Neck. 2021 Aug;43(8):22952296.
Standring, S. (2015) Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Chapter 34, Pharynx.
