Abstract
A comparatively rare cause of dysphagia not ordinarily considered in differential diagnosis is that of lateral pharyngeal diverticula. Recently we have had two examples of this disorder. In this condition the diverticula project anterolaterally from the hypopharynx at about the level of the pyriform sinuses. We include herein a brief survey of the embryology of this condition. The lateral surfaces of the neck of the embryo become indented by four bilaterally-paired branchial grooves during the fourth to fifth weeks of embryonic life. Concurrently, four bilateral pairs of branchial or pharyngeal pouches arise internally from the lateral walls of the pharynx. These grooves and pouches correspond and lie opposite each other. Each pair is separated from the next by the branchial arches. An unpaired median outgrowth also appears in the floor of the pharynx. The single ventral outgrowth is the thyroid diverticulum, which becomes the thyroid gland. The first pharyngeal pouch
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call