Pharynx

About the Pharynx

The pharynx, or throat, is a muscular tube that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the cricoid cartilage, where it continues as the esophagus. It is divided into three parts. The nasopharynx lies behind the nasal cavity and contains the adenoids and the openings of the Eustachian tubes. The oropharynx lies behind the mouth and contains the palatine tonsils and the base of the tongue. The laryngopharynx, or hypopharynx, lies behind the larynx. Because it serves both breathing and swallowing, a complex coordinated reflex involving the soft palate, tongue, epiglottis, and constrictor muscles directs food toward the esophagus and away from the airway. Pharyngitis, a sore throat, is very common and usually caused by viruses, while strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus. Cancers of the oropharynx are increasingly linked to human papillomavirus infection, and relaxation of pharyngeal tissues during sleep underlies obstructive sleep apnea.