Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which structure has oral, nasal, and laryngeal divisions?

1. Trachea

2. Esophagus

3. Glottis

4. Pharynx

The correct answer is: Pharynx

The structure that has oral, nasal, and laryngeal divisions is the pharynx. The pharynx acts as a muscular funnel that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus, facilitating both respiratory and digestive functions. In terms of its divisions, the pharynx is divided into three parts: the nasopharynx (the upper part that connects with the nasal cavity), the oropharynx (the middle section that connects with the oral cavity), and the laryngopharynx (the lower part that connects to the larynx and esophagus). This anatomical structure plays a crucial role in the passage of air and food, as well as in sound production. Other structures such as the trachea, esophagus, and glottis do not possess these three divisions. The trachea primarily serves as the windpipe leading to the lungs, while the esophagus is exclusively part of the digestive system, transporting food to the stomach. The glottis refers specifically to the part of the larynx that contains the vocal cords and is involved in phonation, but it does not encompass the divisions noted in the question. Thus, the pharynx is the only structure that