Pharynx
(Redirected from Pars nasalis pharyngis)
The pharynx, commonly known as the throat, is a crucial structure in both the digestive and respiratory systems of vertebrates. It serves as a passageway connecting the back of the mouth and nose to the esophagus (the food tube) and the trachea (the windpipe).
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The pharynx is a tubular structure that begins posterior to the nasal and oral cavities and extends downward to the opening of the esophagus and larynx. It is divided into three main sections:
- Nasopharynx: The uppermost section, located behind the nasal cavity. It serves as an air passage and is also where the Eustachian tubes (connecting to the middle ear) open.
- Oropharynx: Situated behind the oral cavity, this section is both an air and food passage. It includes the tonsils, which play a role in the immune response.
- Laryngopharynx: This is the lowermost section and is continuous with both the esophagus and the larynx. It channels food to the esophagus and air to the trachea.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary functions of the pharynx include:
- Respiration: Serving as a passage for air between the nose and the trachea.
- Digestion: Directing food and fluids from the mouth to the esophagus.
- Immune defense: Tonsils located in the oropharynx play an essential role in trapping pathogens and producing antibodies.
Associated Conditions[edit | edit source]
There are several conditions and diseases that can affect the pharynx:
- Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx, often leading to a sore throat.
- Sleep Apnea: A condition where the muscles of the pharynx collapse during sleep, causing breathing interruptions.
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, which are located in the oropharynx.
- Cancers: Tumors can develop in the tissues of the pharynx.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Esophagus: The tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach.
- Larynx: Also known as the voice box, located below the pharynx.
- Respiratory System: The system responsible for breathing.
- Digestive System: The system responsible for processing food.
| Pharynx Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
