What is the pharynx?
The pharynx is a 12 to 15 cm long muscular tube lined with mucous membrane. It is divided into three sections lying one below the other. From top to bottom are the nasopharynx, oral pharynx and laryngeal pharynx:
The openings of the nasal cavity (choanas) and the two ear trumpets (tuba auditiva or Eustachian tube) open into the nasopharynx (nasopharynx or epipharynx). The ear trumpets provide the connection to the middle ear and are important for pressure equalization. The epipharynx contains the pharyngeal tonsils, which are important for local immune defense. In the lateral walls are the lateral cords, an almond-like lymphatic tissue.
The oral pharynx (oropharynx or mesopharynx) extends from the uvula to the epiglottis. It is connected to the oral cavity by a wide opening (isthmus faucium). Laterally in the mesopharynx, between the palatal arches, lie the palatine tonsils, which can be seen when the mouth is wide open.
What is the function of the pharynx?
On the one hand, the pharynx has the function of enabling swallowing with the muscles of the pharynx, which form the back wall and the side walls. By shortening and lifting the pharynx, the epiglottis is lowered over the larynx, ensuring that food enters the esophagus rather than the trachea when swallowing.
Second, the pharynx is important for local immune defense. The pharyngeal tonsils (tonsilla pharyngea), the palatine tonsils (tonsilla palatina) and the lateral cords together form the lymphatic pharyngeal ring (Waldeyer’s pharyngeal ring), whose development begins as early as the 3rd to 4th embryonic month. It recognizes invading germs and alerts the systemic immune system to render them harmless.
Furthermore, the pharynx, oral cavity and nasal cavity are needed for sound formation, for articulation and as a resonance chamber.
Where is the pharynx located?
What problems can cause the pharynx?
Acute pharyngitis is very common and is usually caused by viruses. It manifests itself in the form of sore throat and difficulty swallowing and usually heals without any problems. If the inflammation also extends to the nasal mucosa, the doctor refers to it as rhinopharyngitis. The sore throat is then joined by a runny nose.
In case of severe pain, high fever and visible pus accumulation in the throat (white-yellowish coatings), it is usually a case of purulent pharyngitis caused by bacteria. It should definitely be treated by a doctor. In those affected, the side cords are usually also swollen and very red. This is called lateral pharyngitis (angina lateralis).
If the pharyngitis lasts longer than three months, it is called chronic. The cause is then not germs but, for example, excessive smoking or radiation therapy.
In rarer cases, tonsillitis is caused by viruses. If the pathogen is the so-called Epstein-Barr virus, the disease is called Pfeiffer’s glandular fever.
Tumor diseases in the throat area are also possible.
