Pyriform fossa

Pyriform fossa:

Is a potential space that lie on either side of the larynx. They are two in number. It is shaped like a pyramid with the base poinint above and the apex below. They belong to the hypopharyngeal area of the pharynx. It has two parts; the shallow upper part and a deeper lower part.

Boundaries:

Lateral - Mucosa lining the lamina of thyroid cartilage

Medial - Aryepiglottic fold and arytenoid cartilages above

cricoid cartilage below

Superiorly - lateral glosso epiglottic fold

Inferiorly - continues as the oesophagus

Deep to the mucous membrane of the pyriform fossa lies the internal laryngeal nerve

branch of superior laryngeal nerve. This nerve supplies sensation to this

area.

Importance of pyriform fossa:

1. Anatomically it is a hidden area. Any malignancy in this area will initially

cause fewer symptoms and has a tendency to present late

2. This area is rich in lymphatics. These lymphatics drain into the upper

deep cervical group of nodes. Malignancy in this area has a tendency for

distant metastasis

3. Foreign bodies commonly gets lodged here

4. Since superior laryngeal nerve lies just under the mucosa of pyriform fossa

it can be blocked using a gauze dipped in 4% xylocaine. This is known as pyriform

fossa.

5. Pooling of saliva occurs in pyriform fossa if there is any obstruction in the food passage (Jackson's sign)