pharynx

pharynx /phar·ynx/ (far´inks) the throat; the musculomembranous cavity behind the nasal cavities, mouth, and larynx, communicating with them and with the esophagus.

Pharynx, divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

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phar·ynx (frngks)

n. pl. phar·ynx·es or pha·ryng·es (f-rnjz)

The upper section of the alimentary canal that extends from the mouth and nasal cavities to the larynx.

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Pharynx

The pharynx is the part of the throat that lies between the mouth and the larynx or voice box.

Mentioned in: Sore Throat, Swallowing Disorders, Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

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pharynx

[fer′inks] pl. pharynxes, pharynges

Etymology: Gk

the throat, a tubular structure about 13 cm long that extends from the base of the skull to the esophagus and is situated immediately in front of the cervical vertebrae. The pharynx serves as a passageway for the respiratory and digestive tracts and changes shape to allow the formation of various vowel sounds. The pharynx is composed of muscle, is lined with mucous membrane, and is divided into the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx. It contains the openings of the right and left auditory tubes, the openings of the two posterior nares, the fauces, the opening into the larynx, and the opening into the esophagus. It also contains the pharyngeal tonsils, the palatine tonsils, and the lingual tonsils. Also called throat. See also larynx.

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pharynx (fer´inks),

n a funnel-shaped tube of muscle tissue between the oral cavity and nares and the esophagus, which is the common pathway for food and air. The nasopharynx lies above the level of the soft palate. The oropharynx lies between the superior edge of the epiglottis and the soft palate, whereas the laryngopharynx extends from the superior edge of the epiglottis to the superior end of the esophagus behind the larynx.

pharynx, activities of posterior and lateral pharyngeal wall,

n.pl the bulging of the posterior and lateral pharyngeal wall produced by the superior pharyngeal constrictors and palatopharyngeus during the acts of swallowing and phonation; seen in individuals with a congenitally short soft palate, operated soft palate, or unoperated cleft of the soft palate. These activities are rarely present in the individual with the normal soft palate.

pharynx, implant surgical,

n first stage: a major oral operation in which the mucoperiosteum is elevated, exposing the oral surface of the jawbone; the surgical jaw relations are established, and an impression is made of the exposed bone surfaces. Second stage: a major oral surgical operation in which the mucoperiosteum is reelevated, the prepared implant is placed on the bone surface, and the mucoperiosteum is coapted and sutured about the posts of the protruding implant abutments.

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pharynx

the throat; the musculomembranous crossroads of the digestive and respiratory systems, found behind the nasal cavities and mouth, and rostral to the larynx and esophagus.

The pharynx includes many individual structures and may be divided into three parts: the nasopharynx (above), oropharynx (below) and laryngopharynx (behind). The nasopharynx, connected with the nasal cavities, provides a passage for air during breathing; it also contains the openings of the auditory tubes through which air enters the middle ear. The oropharynx and laryngopharynx provide passageways for both air and food. The pharynx also functions as a resonating organ in vocalization.

The pharynx is subdivided by the soft palate. In swallowing, the palate lifts up, closing off the nasopharynx as food passes from the mouth to the esophagus.

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Patient discussion about pharynx.

Q. I think I caught a cold :( My throat is sore, and I keep snivel all the time. Is there anything I can do to in order to relieve the bad feeling?

A. Go for a run, sweat it out then have some vitamin C and water. Or drink orange juice. Those things always make me feel better.

Q. Is it really necessary to take antibiotic the whole week? Three days ago my 10 years-old son had a sore throat, after a very short examination the doctor said my son has pharyngitis and that he has to take antibiotics for ten days. He took it for two days and now he no long has any sore throat- Why does he have to take the antibiotic for so long? I don’t want him to take too many medications…

A. 100% vital. If the bacteria survive due to insufficient dosage they will become stronger as a result and the problem will worsen

Q. Why is it hard to swallow when you have a sore throat? I was sick last week. I had a sore throat pain in my neck and fever. the most annoying symptom that i had was pain during sallowing. what is the source of that pain, and what can I do to ease it next time?

A. When you have an inflammation in your body, the sick area hurts when its palpated. when your neck is inflamed, you have a pain in the neck. when the inside part of the neck is inflamed you have tonsillitis.
When you eat something, it touches your inside of the neck, and if it's inflamed it will be painful.
The good news is that you can treat this pain in the same way you treat other inflammatory pain - hot (NOT boiling) tea.