On a real human cadaver using a separate bisected head with all of the cervical viscera, and from a posterior approach on the VH Dissector, inspect the posterior wall of the pharynx and identify the constrictor muscles. They are named in descending order: superior, middle and inferior.

Although it is difficult to see, cranial nerve IX the glossopharyngeal nerve, can be found as it passes between the superior and the middle constrictor muscles. The inferior constrictor muscle blends inferiorly with the esophagus.

Open the already cut posterior wall of the pharynx and observe the following structures from superior to inferior: the posterior nasal openings or choanae , the terminal end of the soft palate, the uvula, the base of the tongue, the epiglottis, the inlet into the larynx and the beginning of the esophagus. (Figure 8-3)

With the posterior pharyngeal wall cut and reflected, identify the three parts of the pharynx: nasopharynx superior to the soft palate, oropharynx between the soft palate and epiglottis, and laryngopharynx between the epiglottis and cricoid cartilage.

In order to locate structures in each of these parts of the pharynx, it was first necessary to remove portions of the mucous membrane lining in this area. If we begin anterior to the nasopharynx (on the side of the bisected head without the nasal septum), and look at the lateral wall of the nasal cavities, you can see the three conchae. The mucus membrane lining these scroll-like bones clean, heat and moisturize air entering the respiratory tract.

Locate the inferior boundary of the nasal cavities, the hard palate. This palate continues posteriorly as the soft palate and terminates as the uvula. The soft palate forms the inferior boundary of the nasopharynx.

Superior to the soft palate, with the mucous membrane removed, and using a probe, you should be able to feel the posterior border of the medial pterygoid plate. Just posterior to this bony landmark, find the vertically directed fibers of the tensor palati muscle. It winds its way under the hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate to fan out into the soft palate.

Posterior to the tensor palati, identify the vertical fibers of the levator palati. Note how this muscle seems to arise from the opening of the auditory tube in the superior lateral nasal pharynx wall, flaring out onto the soft palate.

Still using the bisected head identify the tongue and the underlying geniohyoid and mylohyoid muscles of the oral cavity.

On the lateral and anterior wall of the oral pharynx find the more anterior palatoglossal arch and posterior palatopharyngeal arch . With the mucous membrane removed it is easy to see these "arches" are created by muscles of the same name.

In between these two arches, see if you can locate the palatine tonsils. These lymphatic organs are usually inconspicuous in older individuals. The glossopharyngeal nerve can also be seen between the two arches.