Killian's dehiscence (also known as Killian's triangle) is a triangular area in the wall of the pharynx between the cricopharyngeus and thyropharyngeus which are the two parts of the inferior constrictors(also see Pharyngeal pouch). It can be seen as a locus minoris resistentiae. A similar triangular area between circular fibres of the cricopharyngeus and longitudinal fibres of the esophagus is Lamier's triangle or Lamier-hackermann's area.

Killian's dehiscence
Muscles of the pharynx and cheek. (Constrictor pharyngis inferior visible at bottom left.)
Muscles of the pharynx, viewed from behind, together with the associated vessels and nerves. (Inf. const. labeled at bottom center.)
Anatomical terminology

Clinical significance

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It represents a potentially weak spot where a pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (Zenker's diverticulum) is more likely to occur.[1]

Eponym

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It is named after the German ENT surgeon Gustav Killian.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Chaplin JM, Stewart IA (July 1994). "Use of surgical stapling device in excision of pharyngeal diverticulum". ANZ Journal of Surgery. 64 (7): 501–2. doi:10.1111/j.1445-2197.1994.tb02266.x. PMID 8010924.
  2. ^ synd/3707 at Who Named It?