The pharynx, commonly known as the throat, is a muscular funnel that serves both the respiratory and digestive systems. It is located in the middle of the neck and extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. The pharynx has three parts: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.

The pharynx has several functions, including:

• Routing air: The pharynx routes air coming in through the nose and mouth down to the larynx, which moves air to the trachea and lungs.
• Delivering food and liquid: The pharynx delivers food and liquid to the esophagus, which sends them on to the stomach.
• Preventing particles from entering the trachea and lungs: The pharynx helps to make sure particles of food and liquid don’t tumble into the trachea and lungs.
• Producing voice: The nasopharynx produces your voice.
• Regulating the passage of air to the lungs and food to the esophagus: The hypopharynx regulates the passage of air to the lungs and food to the esophagus.

The pharynx is lined with muscles and connective tissue that attach it to the base of the skull and surrounding structures. The walls of the pharynx contain both circular and longitudinal muscles that help push food to the esophagus and prevent air from being swallowed.

Several health conditions can affect the pharynx, including bacterial and viral infections, tonsillitis, cancer, and various types of throat paralyses caused by polio, diphtheria, rabies, or nervous-system injuries.