Menu Close

What is pharynx and its function?

What is pharynx and its function?

The pharynx, commonly called the throat, is a passageway that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. It serves both the respiratory and digestive systems by receiving air from the nasal cavity and air, food, and water from the oral cavity.

What is the role of pharynx in speech?

It plays an important role in phonation (speech). It provides an enclosed space that allows the speech muscles to initiate sound and pronounce syllables better. The lining of the pharynx secretes mucus to lubricate the pharynx and helps in smooth propulsion of food down to the esophagus and reduce throat irritation.

What is the pharynx made of?

The pharynx is composed of mucous membrane, submucosal connective tissue, glands, lymphoid tissue, muscle and an outermost adventitial coating. The mucous membrane does not possess a muscular layer.

Does pharynx produce sound?

The larynx is involved in swallowing, breathing, and voice production. Sound is produced when the air which passes through the vocal cords causes them to vibrate and create sound waves in the pharynx, nose and mouth. The pitch of sound is determined by the amount of tension on the vocal folds.

What functions does the pharynx serve?

Anatomy. The pharynx consists of three major sections: the nasopharynx,the oropharynx,and the laryngopharynx.

  • Function. Because of its location,the pharynx helps the respiratory system by allowing air to make its way to the respiratory tract.
  • Associated Conditions. Conditions related to the pharynx range from mild to severe.
  • Tests.
  • What does the pharynx do to the digestive system?

    The role of the pharynx in the digestive system is that it is the one that receives the food after being swallowed. Once the moistened and mechanically digested food or bolus is moved at the back of the tongue, the pharynx will be the one to receive it.

    What does the name pharynx mean?

    pharynx (Noun) The part of the alimentary canal that extends from the mouth and nasal cavities to the larynx, where it becomes continuous with the esophagus. Webster Dictionary (0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

    What does the pharynx lead to?

    Pharynx is the passage that leads from the cavities of the nose and mouth to the larynx (voice box) and esophagus. Air passes through the pharynx on the way to the lungs, and food enters the esophagus from the pharynx. The pharynx serves as a vestibule or entryway for the trachea and esophagus.