The pharynx is a common passage between the respiratory system and the digestive system. In this article, we will discuss the most important details about this organ, the most common cases that affect it, and how to preserve it.

What is the pharynx?

The pharynx, also known as the Throat, is a muscular tube that starts at the base of the skull behind the nasal cavity and runs down the larynx (which leads to the trachea) and the esophagus (which leads to the stomach), and is located in the middle of the neck.

The shape of the pharynx from the inside

The length of the throat as a whole is about 13 centimeters, and it is composed mostly of muscles, but it has some parts that consist of soft tissues. It consists of the following parts:

Nasopharynx

It is the upper part of the throat that connects to the nasal cavity (nose) allowing air to pass into the respiratory tract, and is composed of the respiratory epithelium (mucous membrane covering the airway and respiratory tract).

Oropharynx

It is the middle part of the throat where it connects to the oral cavity, and allows air to pass into the airway, and food and drink to the esophagus.

Laryngopharynx

It is the lower part that is located near the larynx, and works to regulate the passage of air, food and drink, and contains two sets of muscles to help push food down.

Tonsils

It is located in the back of the throat at the base of the tongue and is the first line of defense against infection.

Auditory tubes

They are two tubes that connect the ears to the throat, and work to equalize pressure and drain fluids.

network of nerves

It helps control sensory and motor throat functions, including swallowing.

pharyngeal function

The throat plays a prominent role for both the respiratory system and the digestive system, and its functions are summarized as follows:

• Air passes from the nose to the airway due to its location.
• Muscles work together to push food and drink into the esophagus, closing the airway during swallowing to ensure that no molecule escapes into the esophagus.
• Works to equalize pressure in the ears.
• Fluid draining from the ears.
• Speaking and adjusting some letter exits thanks to the muscles, as air moves to the larynx and helps the vocal cords vibrate to produce sounds.

What are the most common diseases affecting the pharynx?

According to the sources, there are many medical problems that affect the pharynx, and their severity ranges from mild that can be treated with non-prescription medications, to serious ones that require immediate treatment, and among these problems are the following:

• Sore throat from a viral or bacterial infection, a cold, or an allergen.
• GERD.
• tonsillitis.
• Difficulty swallowing, which may be caused by muscle problems, nerve damage, or a disease.
• Inflammation of the auditory canals that causes pain in the ears and hearing problems.
• Sleep apnea, which may result from problems with this organ.
• Oropharyngeal cancer.

How to preserve the pharynx

There are some general tips that can be followed, including:

• Avoid smoking and passive smoking.
• Do not eat very hot or very cold foods.
• Keep the throat moist by drinking adequate amounts of water.
• Do not share personal items that facilitate the transmission of infection, such as toothbrushes, or share spoons while eating.