The pharynx is an aero-digestive tract that acts as a passageway for air and food, starting from the nasopharynx and extending to the laryngopharynx. Anatomically, the pharynx is divided into three parts: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx or laryngopharynx. The pharynx functions as a passageway for respiration and swallowing, and also plays a role in speech by functioning as a resonating chamber that alters sounds.

1. Anatomy of PharynxAnatomy of Pharynx
By: Hina KhalidBy: Hina Khalid

2. PharynxPharynx
Pharynx is a aero-digestive tract, actsPharynx is a aero-digestive tract, acts
as a passage for air and food. It startas a passage for air and food. It start
from nasopharynx to the laryngofrom nasopharynx to the laryngo
pharynx.pharynx.
It is start from the base of skull up toIt is start from the base of skull up to
the opening of the esophagus oppositethe opening of the esophagus opposite
the C6 vertebrae.the C6 vertebrae.
The pharynx lies anterior to theThe pharynx lies anterior to the
vertebral bodies of the cervical spine &vertebral bodies of the cervical spine &
prevertebral muscles,prevertebral muscles,

4. PARTS OF PHARYNXPARTS OF PHARYNX
 Anatomically is divided into three parts:Anatomically is divided into three parts:
 Nasopharynx:Nasopharynx: from base of the skull up to the levelfrom base of the skull up to the level
of the soft palate.of the soft palate.
 Oropharynx:Oropharynx: middle part of the pharynx situatedmiddle part of the pharynx situated
behind the oral cavity.behind the oral cavity.
 Hypo pharynx or Laryngopharynx:Hypo pharynx or Laryngopharynx: lower part oflower part of
pharynx situated behind the larynx. It consists of:pharynx situated behind the larynx. It consists of:
 Pyriform fossaPyriform fossa
 Posterior pharyngeal wallPosterior pharyngeal wall
 Post cricoid areaPost cricoid area

5. ..

8. FUNCTIONS OF PHARYNXFUNCTIONS OF PHARYNX
 The pharynx is a passage way both for respiration andThe pharynx is a passage way both for respiration and
swallowing. However it also play part in speech.swallowing. However it also play part in speech.
 During speech, the pharynx functions as a resonatingDuring speech, the pharynx functions as a resonating
chamber, changing size and shape to alter sounds.chamber, changing size and shape to alter sounds.
 During swallowing, the pharynx helps to directs the bolusDuring swallowing, the pharynx helps to directs the bolus
into the upper part of the esophagus that is cricopharynxinto the upper part of the esophagus that is cricopharynx
and prevents the entry of food particle in the respiratoryand prevents the entry of food particle in the respiratory
track by covering the laryngeal inlet by epiglottis.track by covering the laryngeal inlet by epiglottis.
 Disorders of the pharynx may therefore be manifested byDisorders of the pharynx may therefore be manifested by
respiratory, speech, or swallowing dysfunction.respiratory, speech, or swallowing dysfunction.