INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

What is the role of the inner longitudinal layer of the pharyngeal muscles?

1. Constrict the pharynx

2. Elevate pharynx during swallowing and speaking

3. Close the airway

4. Abduct vocal cords

The correct answer is: Elevate pharynx during swallowing and speaking

The correct answer is B. The inner longitudinal layer of the pharyngeal muscles plays a crucial role in elevating the pharynx during activities such as swallowing and speaking. This action helps facilitate the movement of food and liquid through the pharynx during swallowing and also assists in producing different sounds during speaking. This function is important for proper swallowing dynamics and speech production. Options A, C, and D are incorrect: - Constricting the pharynx (Option A) is typically associated with the action of the outer circular layer of the pharyngeal muscles. - Closing the airway (Option C) is primarily carried out by structures like the epiglottis during swallowing to prevent aspiration of food or liquid into the trachea. - Abducting vocal cords (Option D) is a function usually performed by muscles such as the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles in the larynx to allow for breathing.