The Pharynx

The Pharynx or throat is a funnel shaped tube that leads into the respiratory passages and the oesophagus. Thus it is a common passage for both air and food. The pharynx is divided into three parts:

Nasopharynx

• Upper part of the Pharynx.
• Internal nares and the two auditory tubes open in the Nasopharynx
• Closed by the soft palate during swallowing to prevent entry of food into the nose.
• Covered with ciliated epithelium that helps trap particles from the inhaled air.

Oropharynx

• Middle portion of the pharynx between the soft palate and the epiglottis.
• Common passage for food and air.
• Covered by stratified squamous epithelium.

Laryngopharynx

• Lowest part of the pharynx.
• Point where the digestive and respiratory system separate.
• Food passing posteriorly over the epiglottis and into the oesophagus.