https://wikimd.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=PharynxPharynx - Revision history2026-04-26T21:21:23ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Pharynx&diff=4968480&oldid=prevPrab at 15:33, 17 September 20232023-09-17T15:33:03Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>The '''pharynx''', commonly known as the throat, is a crucial structure in both the digestive and respiratory systems of vertebrates. It serves as a passageway connecting the back of the mouth and nose to the esophagus (the food tube) and the trachea (the windpipe).<br />
[[File:Illu pharynx.svg|Pharynx|thumb]] [[File:Uvula without tonsils.jpg|Uvula without tonsils|left|thumb]] [[File:EB1911 Pharynx - Sagittal Section through Mouth, Tongue, Larynx, Pharynx and Nasal Cavity.jpg|thumb|Pharynx - Sagittal Section through Mouth, Tongue, Larynx, Pharynx and Nasal Cavity]]<br />
=== Anatomy ===<br />
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The pharynx is a tubular structure that begins posterior to the nasal and oral cavities and extends downward to the opening of the esophagus and larynx. It is divided into three main sections:<br />
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* '''Nasopharynx''': The uppermost section, located behind the nasal cavity. It serves as an air passage and is also where the Eustachian tubes (connecting to the middle ear) open.<br />
* '''Oropharynx''': Situated behind the oral cavity, this section is both an air and food passage. It includes the tonsils, which play a role in the immune response.<br />
* '''Laryngopharynx''': This is the lowermost section and is continuous with both the esophagus and the larynx. It channels food to the esophagus and air to the trachea.<br />
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=== Function ===<br />
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The primary functions of the pharynx include:<br />
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* '''[[Respiration]]''': Serving as a passage for air between the nose and the trachea.<br />
* '''[[Digestion]]''': Directing food and fluids from the mouth to the esophagus.<br />
* '''[[Immune defense]]''': Tonsils located in the oropharynx play an essential role in trapping pathogens and producing antibodies.<br />
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=== Associated Conditions ===<br />
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There are several conditions and diseases that can affect the pharynx:<br />
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* [[Pharyngitis]]: Inflammation of the pharynx, often leading to a sore throat.<br />
* [[Sleep Apnea]]: A condition where the muscles of the pharynx collapse during sleep, causing breathing interruptions.<br />
* [[Tonsillitis]]: Inflammation of the tonsils, which are located in the oropharynx.<br />
* [[Cancers]]: Tumors can develop in the tissues of the pharynx.<br />
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== See Also ==<br />
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* [[Esophagus]]: The tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach.<br />
* [[Larynx]]: Also known as the voice box, located below the pharynx.<br />
* [[Respiratory System]]: The system responsible for breathing.<br />
* [[Digestive System]]: The system responsible for processing food.<br />
{{Human system and organs}}<br />
{{Nose anatomy}}<br />
{{Mouth anatomy}}<br />
{{Digestive tract}}<br />
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[[Category:Pharynx| ]]<br />
[[Category:Digestive system]]<br />
[[Category:Human head and neck]]<br />
[[Category:Human throat]]<br />
[[Category:Human voice]]<br />
[[Category:Animal anatomy]]</div>Prab