Pharynx: Structure, Locations, Functions & Larynx

Pharynx is the part of the throat which is present behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the oesophagus and trachea. Pharynx is found in vertebrates and invertebrates and its structure varies across species. It carries food material and air to the oesophagus and larynx. Its primary function is to serve both the respiratory system by taking in air from the nasal cavity as well as to the digestive system by taking food and drink from the oral cavity. The pharynx also helps us to speak as the muscles from the pharynx vibrate to help in production of sound.

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Key Takeaways: Larynx, Oesophagus, Nasal passage, Trachea

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Pharynx

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Pharynx is a five-inch long tube that starts near the nose and ends at the windpipe. It is mainly considered as the part of the throat in vertebrate and invertebrate animals. This is typical of all structures within our alimentary and digestive tracts. The muscular pharynx eventually forms the entry for the oesophagus, food canal and trachea also known as the windpipe.

 

Position of Pharynx

The pharynx is considered as a part of both our respiratory and digestive systems. Thick fibre of muscle and connective tissue attach the pharynx to the base of skull and surrounding structures. The circular and longitudinal muscles occur in the walls of pharynx, the circular muscles form constrictions that help push food to the oesophagus and prevent air from being swallowed, while longitudinal fibre lifts up the walls of pharynx during swallowing. 

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Structure and Location of Pharynx

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Pharynx consists of three major sections such as:

• Nasopharynx
• Oropharynx
• Laryngopharynx

These sections are in order down the pharynx, as nasopharynx is the top part of our throat which is located behind the nasal cavity and the oropharynx is the bottom piece which is present behind the larynx. The pharynx is around 5 centimetres in length. Although the tube is largely hard tissues, some areas like the oropharynx consist of soft tissues. Some parts of pharynx are made up of different cells and muscles. 

Anatomy of Pharynx

The nasopharynx is made up of respiratory epithelium which is a protective mucous membrane that coats airways and respiratory tract. It is also where the adenoid tonsils are situated, which is a patch of tissue high up in the throat which makes up some of your tonsils. Finally, the laryngopharynx have two groups of constrictor muscles as well - a middle pharyngeal constrictor and inferior pharyngeal constrictor. These muscles collectively help in pushing food down into the oesophagus for digestion. 

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Functions of Pharynx

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Pharynx has importance both in the respiratory and digestive systems, and can be thought of as the point where these systems diverge. While the food and liquid follow the alimentary canal through the oesophagus, the air we breathe in through that common entry point will enter the trachea and follow into the respiratory system. The constrictive circular muscles of the pharynx's outer layer play a major role in peristalsis. 

Functions of Pharynx

A series of contractions will help move ingested food and drink down the intestinal tract safely. The inner’s layer longitudinal muscles, instead will widen the pharynx laterally and lift it upwards, thus allowing the swallowing of ingested food and drink. A major role of pharynx is in projection of speech. Sound is made possible by the passage of vibrations through air. It provides a nice enclosed space that allows speech muscles to initiate the sound and resonate it so that it projects in a better way. 

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Larynx

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Larynx is mainly known as the voice box, is located on the top of the neck and it is essential for breathing, vocalising, as well as ensures that the food doesn't get stuck in the trachea and cause choking. It is present in front of the oesophagus, also the vocal folds are located in it, which makes this organ absolutely vital for phonation (making speech sounds). This part of the body can be subject to a number of significant medical conditions, including bacterial infection, laryngeal cancer, vocal fold paralysis which can seriously compromise function.

 

Location of larynx

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Things to Remember

• Pharynx is an element that comprises both the oral and nasal cavities which eventually opens in it.
• Larynx is made up of four different types of cartilages such as arytenoid cartilage, thyroid cartilage, corniculate cartilage and cricoid cartilage.
• Pharynx is a kind of membrane which is more likely to have a membrane-lined cavity. Its function is to act as a connection between the nose and the mouth to the larynx and oesophagus for their respective actions.
• The pharynx comprises three different regions such as oropharynx, nasopharynx, laryngopharynx. 
• The pharynx opens in the food pipe and the larynx opens into the trachea. This forms a complete structure of pharynx and larynx in compliance with the oral and nasal cavities. 

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