Knowra Pharynx Pharynx The pharynx is a muscular passage behind the nose and mouth that connects them to the larynx and esophagus. It carries air and food and helps coordinate swallowing.
Nasopharynx : The upper part of the pharynx behind the nasal cavity, conducting air toward the lower airway. It is the pharynx’s upper region and receives airflow from the nose.
Swallowing : The coordinated process that moves food and liquid from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus. Pharyngeal muscle contractions propel a swallowed bolus toward the esophagus.
Pharyngitis : Inflammation of the pharynx, commonly causing a sore throat and painful swallowing. It is a frequent disorder of the pharyngeal lining.
Trachea : A tube reinforced by cartilage that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi. Unlike the pharynx, it carries air only and lies below the larynx.
Oropharynx : The middle part of the pharynx behind the oral cavity, extending from the soft palate to the epiglottis. It is the shared passage where air and swallowed material meet.
Pharyngeal constrictor muscles : Three overlapping muscles that contract in sequence to move swallowed material through the pharynx. Their sequential contractions drive the pharyngeal phase of swallowing.
Obstructive sleep apnea : A sleep disorder in which repeated upper-airway collapse interrupts breathing. Collapse of the pharyngeal airway is a common cause of obstruction during sleep.
Oral cavity : The space inside the mouth, bounded by the lips, cheeks, palate, and floor of the mouth. It is the mouth’s cavity, whereas the oropharynx lies behind it.
Laryngopharynx : The lower part of the pharynx that opens toward the larynx and esophagus. It is the pharynx’s final region, where airway and foodway diverge.
Epiglottis : A leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage at the entrance to the larynx. It helps protect the airway as swallowed material passes through the pharynx.
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