The Pharynx: Key Functions and Health Issues
Health ConditionsEar, Nose, & Throat

What Is the Pharynx?

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Published on October 18, 2024
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Pharynx is the scientific name for the throat. It’s a muscular, mucus-lined tube in the middle of the neck that helps you breathe and directs food and liquids to your digestive system.

Where Is the Pharynx Located?

The pharynx is located inside the neck and down into the chest. It consists of three different parts:

  • Nasopharynx Located at the top of the throat, it connects your nose to the lower parts of your respiratory system. Air passes through the nasopharynx and into the lungs.
  • Oropharynx This is located in the middle of the throat. It contains your tonsils and connects to your mouth. Air, food, and drink pass through this area.
  • Hypopharynx Found at the bottom of the throat, it sends food down your esophagus into the stomach. It also sends air down the trachea, which is often called the windpipe.

What Is the Function of the Pharynx?

The pharynx helps the body breathe and digest food properly. It does that by:

  • Sending air from your nose and mouth to your larynx (voice box), which then routes the air to your trachea and lungs
  • Directing food and liquids to your esophagus, which then travel into the stomach
The pharynx also contains a flap of soft tissue and cartilage called the epiglottis, which makes sure food and beverages don’t make their way into the trachea and lungs.

What Are Potential Complications Related to the Pharynx?

Many conditions can affect your throat, and some are more serious than others. These include:

Pharyngitis

Commonly called a sore throat, pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx.

 It’s usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, such as:

A sore throat can also be caused by allergies, dry indoor air, and mouth breathing. Chronic sore throat can also be a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Treatment of pharyngitis depends on the cause.

  • A sore throat due to a cold or flu can be temporarily relieved by drinking fluids, taking pain relievers, and gargling with salt water. The sore throat should go away on its own.
  • Antibiotics are necessary to treat strep throat to help you avoid complications like kidney problems and rheumatic fever.
  • Rest, extra fluids, and pain relievers can help if you have mononucleosis.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. It can happen as a result of a stroke, cancer, or neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms include:

  • Pain while swallowing
  • Not being able to swallow
  • Drooling
  • Hoarseness
  • Frequent heartburn
  • Food or stomach acid backing up into the throat
Treatment will likely involve lifestyle modifications like softening your food, taking small bites, and doing exercises to strengthen your swallowing muscles.

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer typically develops in the voice box or the oropharynx.

 It’s not as common as other types of cancer, but it does impact about 1 in 200 men and 1 in 840 women.
The biggest risk factors are smoking, heavy alcohol use, and exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

 Treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

The Takeaway

  • The pharynx, also known as the throat, assists the body’s respiratory and digestive systems.
  • Problems with the pharynx can range from minor health problems like a cold to throat cancer.
  • Certain neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease can make it more difficult for people to swallow, but doing exercises to strengthen your swallowing muscles and taking small bites of your food may help.
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Justin Laube, MD

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Resources
  1. Pharynx (Throat). Cleveland Clinic. August 2023.
  2. Pharynx & Esophagus. National Cancer Institute SEER Training Modules.
  3. Pharyngitis. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
  4. Mononucleosis. Mayo Clinic. November 2022.
  5. Dysphagia. Mayo Clinic. July 2024.
  6. Swallowing Difficulties. National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  7. Trouble Swallowing After Stroke (Dysphagia). American Stroke Association. April 2024.
  8. Throat Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. May 2022.
  9. Key Statistics for Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers. American Cancer Society. January 2024.
  10. Risk Factors for Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers. American Cancer Society. January 2021.
  11. Throat Cancer. Yale Medicine.