
The pharynx has 3 parts:
- Nasopharynx - the upper part of the back of the throat, that leads up into the nose
- Oropharynx - the part at the back of the throat
- Laryngopharynx - the bottom part, before the windpipe and esophagus split from 1 into 2 tubes
What functions does the pharynx serve?
What functions does the pharynx serve?
- and the laryngopharynx.
- the pharynx helps the respiratory system by allowing air to make its way to the respiratory tract.
- Associated Conditions. Conditions related to the pharynx range from mild to severe.
- Tests. How does the pharynx aid in respiration? ...
What does the pharynx lead to?
The pharynx, or throat, is the passageway leading from the mouth and nose to the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx permits the passage of swallowed solids and liquids into the esophagus, or gullet, and conducts air to and from the trachea, or windpipe, during respiration. See also what countries use hydropower.
What does your pharynx do in the respiratory system?
Your airways are a complicated system that includes your:
- Mouth and nose: Openings that pull air from outside your body into your respiratory system.
- Sinuses: Hollow areas between the bones in your head that help regulate the temperature and humidity of the air you inhale.
- Pharynx (throat): Tube that delivers air from your mouth and nose to the trachea (windpipe).
Is the pharynx the same as the esophagus?
Esophagus vs Pharynx - What's the difference? is that esophagus is (us) ( oesophagus) while pharynx is (anatomy) the part of the alimentary canal that extends from the mouth and nasal cavities to the larynx, where it becomes continuous with the esophagus. Other Comparisons: What's the difference?

What is pharynx in simple words?
Pharynx (Throat) The pharynx, usually called the throat, is part of the respiratory system and digestive system. It carries air, food and fluid down from the nose and mouth. The pharynx is the site of common illnesses, including sore throat and tonsillitis.
What is pharynx kid friendly definition?
pharynx, or throat, is a part of the body that helps with eating and with breathing. It is a passage that leads from the mouth and nose to the esophagus and the larynx. The esophagus is part of the digestive system, and the larynx is part of the respiratory system. The pharynx consists of three main divisions.
What is the function of the pharynx or throat?
The throat (pharynx and larynx) is a ring-like muscular tube that acts as the passageway for air, food and liquid. It is located behind the nose and mouth and connects the mouth (oral cavity) and nose to the breathing passages (trachea [windpipe] and lungs) and the esophagus (eating tube).
What is an example of pharynx?
The pharynx is the tissue-lined hole behind the nose and mouth that connects to the esophagus. An example of the pharynx is the cavity that post nasal drip passes through to get to the throat.
What is another word for pharynx?
What is another word for pharynx?throatcropnecktracheawindpipefaucesoropharynxgorgetlarynxpassage13 more rows
Where is the pharynx and what is its function?
pharynx, (Greek: “throat”) cone-shaped passageway leading from the oral and nasal cavities in the head to the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx chamber serves both respiratory and digestive functions. Thick fibres of muscle and connective tissue attach the pharynx to the base of the skull and surrounding structures.
What are the 3 parts of the pharynx?
Inferiorly, it opens into the larynx and esophagus. The pharynx is divided into three regions according to location: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx (hypopharynx).
Is the pharynx an organ?
Summary. The organs of the respiratory system include the lungs, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
What is the difference between pharynx and larynx?
The pharynx is a membrane-lined cavity present behind the nose and the mouth, connecting them to the larynx and esophagus respectively. The larynx is a muscular organ that forms an air passage for the lungs and vocal cord. It is a part of the respiratory system. Both oral and the nasal cavities open into the pharynx.
What is the pharynx made of?
The pharynx is composed of mucous membrane, submucosal connective tissue, glands, lymphoid tissue, muscle and an outermost adventitial coating. The mucous membrane does not possess a muscular layer.
What is the main job of the pharynx quizlet?
The main function of the pharynx is to provide a passageway for the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Where does the pharynx begin and end?
The pharynx is a muscular column that begins in the head posterior to the nasal cavity, travels inferiorly behind the oral cavity before finally merging with the larynx and esophagus.
Where is the pharynx?
The pharynx, commonly called the throat, is a passageway that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. It serves both the respiratory and digestive systems by receiving air from the nasal cavity and air, food, and water from the oral cavity.
What are 3 facts about the pharynx?
The pharynx is a cone-shaped muscular tube that connects the nasal ? and oral ? cavities to the esophagus and larynx. It starts at the base of the skull ? and terminates at the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage at the sixth cervical vertebrae (C6).
What larynx means?
voice box(LAYR-inx) The area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also called voice box.
What is the main function of larynx?
Your larynx has three main functions in your body: Breathing. Creating vocal sounds. Preventing food and other particles from getting into your trachea, lungs and the rest of your respiratory system.
How many parts does the pharynx have?
The pharynx has 3 parts: Nasopharynx - the upper part of the back of the throat, that leads up into the nose. Laryngopharynx - the bottom part, before the windpipe and esophagus split from 1 into 2 tubes. This short article about biology can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.
Where does food go in the pharynx?
It comes after the mouth and before the esophagus. Food and air go through the pharynx. The pharynx keeps food and liquids out of the lungs. The pharynx has 3 parts: Nasopharynx - the upper part of the back of the throat, that leads up into the nose.
What is the opening of the respiratory system called?
The opening of the respiratory system in the pharynx is called the glottis. It is guarded by a cartilagenous flap called the epiglottis which prevents food or liquid from going into the respiratory system. It closes during swallowing action. As such, it is part of the gastrointestinal system. It comes after the mouth and before the esophagus.
What is the meeting point of the digestive and respiratory systems?
Pharynx. For another organ, see larynx. The pharynx is an organ in the back of the throat. It is also the meeting point of the digestive and the respiratory systems. The opening of the respiratory system in the pharynx is called the glottis.
What is the function of the pharynx?
The pharynx chamber serves both respiratory and digestive functions. Thick fibres of muscle and connective tissue attach the pharynx to the base of the skull and surrounding structures. Both circular and longitudinal muscles occur in the walls of the pharynx; the circular muscles form constrictions that help push food to ...
How many floors does the pharynx have?
For the anatomical description, the pharynx can be divided into three floors. The upper floor, the nasopharynx, is primarily a passageway for air and secretions from the nose to the oral pharynx. It is also connected to the tympanic cavity of the middle ear…
Where is the nasal pharynx located?
The oral pharynx begins at the back of the mouth cavity and continues down the throat to the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that covers the air passage to the lungs and that channels food to the esophagus.
What are the tubes that connect the middle ears to the pharynx?
Two small tubes (eustachian tubes) connect the middle earsto the pharynx and allow air pressure on the eardrum to be equalized. Head colds sometimes inflame the tubes, causing earaches and hearingdifficulties. Other medical afflictionsassociated with the pharynx include tonsillitis, cancer, and various types of throat paralyses caused by polio, diphtheria, rabies, or nervous-system injuries.
Which region of the body allows the body to breathe through the mouth?
The isthmus connecting the oral and nasal regions is extremely beneficial in humans. It allows them to breathe through either the nose or the mouth and, when medically necessary, allows food to be passed to the esophagus by nasal tubes. The third region is the laryngeal pharynx, which begins at the epiglottis and leads down to the esophagus.
Which region of the body regulates the passage of air to the lungs and food to the esophag?
The third region is the laryngeal pharynx, which begins at the epiglottis and leads down to the esophagus. Its function is to regulate the passage of air to the lungs and food to the esophagus. Britannica Quiz. The Human Body.
What is the passageway between the mouth and nose?
The pharynx, or throat, is the passageway leading from the mouth and nose to the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx permits the passage of swallowed solids and liquids into the esophagus, or gullet, and conducts air to and from the trachea, or windpipe, during…
Where is the pharynx located?
Anatomical terminology. The pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the oesophagus and trachea (the tubes going down to the stomach and the lungs ). It is found in vertebrates and invertebrates, though its structure varies across species.
What are the three parts of the pharynx?
The human pharynx is conventionally divided into three sections: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. It is also important in vocalization . In humans, two sets of pharyngeal muscles form the pharynx and determine the shape of its lumen.
What is the auditory tube?
The auditory tube, which connects the middle ear to the pharynx, opens into the nasopharynx at the pharyngeal opening of the auditory tube. The opening and closing of the auditory tubes serves to equalize the barometric pressure in the middle ear with that of the ambient atmosphere. Details of torus tubarius.
What part of the body carries air and food to the esophagus?
The pharynx carries food and air to the esophagus and larynx. The flap of cartilage called the epiglottis stops food from entering the larynx. In humans, the pharynx is part of the digestive system and the conducting zone of the respiratory system.
Which part of the respiratory system extends from the base of the skull to the upper surface of the soft palate?
Upper respiratory system, with the nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx labeled at right. The upper portion of the pharynx, the nasopharynx, extends from the base of the skull to the upper surface of the soft palate. It includes the space between the internal nares and the soft palate and lies above the oral cavity.
Why can't horses breathe through their mouth?
Horses are unable to breathe through the mouth as the free apex of the rostral epiglottis lies dorsal to the soft palate in a normal horse.
What is the HACEK organism?
The HACEK organisms ( H aemophilus, A ctinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, C ardiobacterium hominis, E ikenella corrodens, K ingella) are part of the normal oropharyngeal flora, which grow slowly, prefer a carbon dioxide-enriched atmosphere, and share an enhanced capacity to produce endocardial infections, especially in young children. Fusobacterium is a pathogen.
What is the pharynx?
pharynx. the canal leading from the mouth to the oesophagus in vertebrates. In humans, the upper pharynx includes the nasal section divided off by the soft palate and the lower pharynx which includes the mouth and throat. In protochordates it is that part of the gut system into which the gill slits open internally.
Where is the pharynx separated from the mouth?
The pharynx is separated from the mouth by the soft palate and its fleshy V-shaped extension or flap, the uvula, which hangs from the top of the back of the mouth, above the root of the tongue. In swallowing, the uvula lifts up, closing off the nasopharynx as food passes from the mouth through the lower parts of the pharynx to the esophagus.
What is the superior expanded portion of the alimentary tract, between the mouth and nasal cavities?
Do not confuse this word with fornix. The superior expanded portion of the alimentary tract, between the mouth and nasal cavities (superiorly and anteriorly) and the esophagus (inferiorly); consisting of nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx, the first two being shared with the respiratory tract; the pharnyx is distinct from the rest ...
Which part of the ear provides air?
The nasopharynx, connected with the nasal cavities, provides a passage for air during breathing and contains the openings of the eustachian tubes through which air enters the middle ear. The oropharynx and laryngopharynx provide passageways for both air and food.
Which part of the digestive tract extends from the mouth and nasal cavities to the larynx, where it becomes?
The section of the digestive tract that extends from the mouth and nasal cavities to the larynx, where it becomes continuous with the esophagus. The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Where is the expanded portion of the digestive tube?
The upper expanded portion of the digestive tube, between the esophagus below and the mouth and nasal cavities above and in front. Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012.
Where is the apex of the lung?
Lobes in lungs: Apex is at the top of lung, base is at the bottom.
What is the respiratory zone?
Respiratory zone: actual site of gas exchange. Includes smallest, most delicate bronchioles and alveoli.
Which groove allows passage of the primary bronchi, pulmonary vessels, nerves and lymphatics?
Hilum of the lung: groove that allows passage of the primary bronchi, pulmonary vessels, nerves and lymphatics.
Which type of bronchioles end in alveolar sacs?
Respiratory= arise from terminal bronchioles which end in alveolar sacs with alveoli cover

Overview
The pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the oesophagus and trachea (the tubes going down to the stomach and the lungs). It is found in vertebrates and invertebrates, though its structure varies across species. The pharynx carries food and air to the esophagus and larynx respectively. The flap of cartilage called the epiglottis stops food from entering the larynx.
Structure
The upper portion of the pharynx, the nasopharynx, extends from the base of the skull to the upper surface of the soft palate. It includes the space between the internal nares and the soft palate and lies above the oral cavity. The adenoids, also known as the pharyngeal tonsils, are lymphoid tissue structures located in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. Waldeyer's tonsillar ring is an annular arrangement of lymphoid tissue in both the nasopharynx and oropharynx. The nasopharynx is lin…
Function
The pharynx moves food from the mouth to the esophagus. It also moves air from the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx. It is also used in human speech, as pharyngeal consonants are articulated here, and it acts as a resonating chamber during phonation.
Clinical significance
Inflammation of the pharynx, or pharyngitis, is the painful inflammation of the throat.
Pharyngeal cancer is a cancer that originates in the neck and/or throat.
Waldeyer's tonsillar ring is an anatomical term collectively describing the annular arrangement of lymphoid tissue in the pharynx. Waldeyer's ring circumscribes the naso- and oropharynx, with some of its tonsillar tissue located above and some below the soft palate (and to the back of th…
Etymology
The word pharynx (/ˈfærɪŋks/ ) is derived from the Greek φάρυγξ phárynx, meaning "throat". Its plural form is pharynges /fəˈrɪndʒiːz/ or pharynxes /ˈfærɪŋksəz/, and its adjective form is pharyngeal (/ˌfærɪnˈdʒiːəl/ or /fəˈrɪndʒiəl/).
Other vertebrates
All vertebrates have a pharynx, used in both feeding and respiration. The pharynx arises during development in all vertebrates through a series of six or more outpocketings on the lateral sides of the head. These outpocketings are pharyngeal arches, and they give rise to a number of different structures in the skeletal, muscular, and circulatory systems. The structure of the pharynx varies across the vertebrates. It differs in dogs, horses, and ruminants. In dogs, a single …
Invertebrates
Invertebrates also have a pharynx. Invertebrates with a pharynx include the tardigrades, annelids and arthropods, and the priapulids (which have an eversible pharynx).
The "pharynx" of the nematode worm is a muscular food pump in the head, triangular in cross-section, that grinds food and transports it directly to the intestines. A one-way valve connects the pharynx to the excretory canal.
Additional images
• Nose and nasal
• Coronal section of right ear, showing auditory tube and levator veli palatini muscle
• The entrance to the larynx, viewed from behind
• Deep dissection of human larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind