The throat, a muscular tube that carries air to the larynx and food to the esophagus.
Structure
The pharynx is divided into three regions: the nasopharynx behind the nasal cavity, the oropharynx behind the mouth, and the laryngopharynx behind the larynx. Its walls are made of skeletal muscle.
Function
During breathing, air passes from the nasal cavity through the pharynx to the larynx. During swallowing, the soft palate elevates to seal the nasopharynx while pharyngeal muscles propel a food bolus toward the esophagus.
Lymphatic tissue
The pharyngeal, palatine, and lingual tonsils form a ring of lymphoid tissue at the entry to the respiratory and digestive tracts, sampling pathogens in incoming air and food.
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Pharynx starts with P and ends with X. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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