Pharynx

A muscular tube that plays a crucial role in both the respiratory and digestive systems.

The pharynx is a funnel-shaped structure that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus. It serves as a pathway for food and air, facilitating the process of swallowing and breathing. The pharynx is divided into three regions: the nasopharynx (upper part), oropharynx (middle part), and laryngopharynx (lower part), each with distinct functions and structural features.

Terminologia Anatomica

pharynx

System

Respiratory system

Function

The pharynx serves multiple essential roles in the body, most notably as a conduit for both air and food. In respiration, it allows air to pass from the nasal cavity to the larynx and subsequently to the lungs. During swallowing, the pharynx plays a vital role in directing food from the oral cavity into the esophagus while preventing it from entering the airway. This process is ensured by the coordinated action of muscles in the pharyngeal walls, which help push the food downwards while the epiglottis closes off the larynx to block air passage. Additionally, the pharynx is involved in generating sound and is important for speech production. Moreover, lymphoid tissues within the pharynx, such as the tonsils, contribute to immune responses, protecting the body from pathogens that enter through the mouth or nose.

Location

Located posterior to the nasal and oral cavities, the pharynx extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra, where it transitions into the esophagus. Its divisions are distinguished by their specific locations: the nasopharynx, situated above the soft palate, connects with the nasal cavity; the oropharynx lies behind the mouth, extending from the soft palate to the level of the hyoid bone; and the laryngopharynx, located near the bottom, leads into both the larynx and esophagus. The pharynx is lined with mucous membranes that facilitate the passage of air and food while also playing a role in sensation.

Did You Know?

The pharynx is not just a passageway; it also helps in the immune defense by containing lymphoid tissues like the tonsils, which trap pathogens.
The length of the pharynx in adults ranges between 12 to 15 centimeters.
In addition to its role in swallowing and breathing, the pharynx is important for singing and speaking, with different sections contributing to resonance and sound quality.