Here's a breakdown of the pharynx:
* Location: It sits at the back of the throat, extending from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra.
* Structure: It's made up of muscle tissue and lined with mucous membrane.
* Function:
* Breathing: Air passes through the pharynx during inhalation and exhalation.
* Swallowing: Food and liquids travel through the pharynx on their way to the esophagus.
* Speech: The pharynx helps to resonate sound during vocalization.
* Protection: The pharynx also contains tonsils, which are part of the immune system and help to defend against infections.
The pharynx is divided into three parts:
* Nasopharynx: The top part of the pharynx, behind the nasal cavity. It's responsible for breathing.
* Oropharynx: The middle part of the pharynx, behind the mouth. It's involved in both breathing and swallowing.
* Laryngopharynx: The lower part of the pharynx, connecting to the larynx and esophagus. It's mainly responsible for swallowing.
In simpler terms: The pharynx is like a busy intersection where the air we breathe and the food we eat cross paths.