The Killian's dehiscence (pharyngeal dehiscence) is a weak area between which two muscle components of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor, and is clinically relevant as the site of pharyngeal pouch (Zenker's diverticulum) formation?
- A Between superior and middle pharyngeal constrictor
- B Between palatopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus
- C Between the middle constrictor and the stylopharyngeus muscle
- D Between thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus parts of inferior pharyngeal constrictor ✓
Explanation
Killian's dehiscence is the triangular gap between the oblique thyropharyngeus (upper part of inferior pharyngeal constrictor, attached to thyroid cartilage oblique line) and the horizontal cricopharyngeus (lower part, attached to cricoid cartilage — functions as the upper esophageal sphincter). This is an area of relative muscular weakness in the posterior pharyngeal wall. Increased hypopharyngeal pressure (during swallowing in the presence of cricopharyngeal dysfunction/dysmotility) forces mucosa through this dehiscence to form a Zenker's diverticulum, typically posterior and to the left side.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.