The pharynx is a part of the respiratory system as well as the digestive tract. Through it, both the air we breathe and the food we eat are taken in and passed on accordingly. Diseases of the throat are usually perceived as very unpleasant due to the constant stress.
What is the pharynx?
The pharynx, also called pharynx in technical language, belongs in humans to both the digestive tract and the respiratory tract. It is therefore colloquially referred to as the “upper respiratory tract.” It is through the pharynx that humans take in both their food and the air they breathe, which is then passed through the esophagus and trachea, respectively, to the corresponding organs. Although the throat is used constantly for this reason, it is usually not consciously noticed until it causes illness or discomfort. Both certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking or dry heating air, and diseases such as inflammation or even throat cancer are known as typical diseases of the pharynx.
Anatomy and structure
The human pharynx is divided into three “tiers.” These are called the nasopharynx, oral pharynx, and laryngeal pharynx, depending on exactly where in the body each part is located. At the very top is the nasopharynx. This includes the pharyngeal tonsils and the entrance of the Eustachian tube. Below that is the oral pharynx, which includes the palatine tonsils and the so-called pharynx. The laryngeal pharynx, sometimes called the pharynx, refers to the lowest part of the entire pharynx. All sections of the pharynx are equipped with a mucous membrane and are moved by different muscles, providing versatile functions for the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Function and tasks
In the animal world, the pharynx is the part of the digestive tract following the mouth. In vertebrates, and thus in humans, it also performs an additional function as part of the respiratory system. Both food and the air we breathe are taken in through the mouth. They pass through the pharynx into the esophagus and trachea, respectively, and are then passed on to the stomach and lungs, respectively. The pharynx itself thus represents a kind of “meeting point” between the esophagus and the trachea. To prevent food particles from entering the airways, the larynx is closed with the so-called epiglottis during swallowing. When breathing, on the other hand, the larynx remains open so that the air breathed can pass through unhindered. The muscle activity within the pharynx is controlled automatically without any conscious influence being possible or necessary. Due to the upright posture, the human pharynx is somewhat more curved than in many other mammals. This increases the risk of “swallowing”.
Diseases, ailments and disorders
Although the pharynx is in constant use, it is usually not noticed until there is discomfort when breathing or swallowing. These can be caused by very different factors and can be either harmless or more serious. For some people, breathing in dry heating air in winter is enough to irritate the mucous membranes in the throat and cause discomfort. Cold symptoms, such as cough, hoarseness and sore throat, also cause an unpleasant scratching sensation when breathing and swallowing. In these cases, however, the mucous membranes can usually be soothed again within a few days, and the symptoms subside. Tonsillitis or laryngitis require treatment with anti-inflammatories and/or antibiotics. Heavy smokers often complain of irritated pharyngeal mucosa, which is caused by inhaling the smoke containing tobacco and nicotine. In the worst case, cancer can develop in the pharynx as a result, such as laryngeal or pharyngeal carcinoma. Since these serious diseases usually only lead to symptoms at an advanced stage, they often remain undetected for a long time. Under certain circumstances, cancer can be treated surgically by removing the tumor. In addition, chemotherapy is usually given to prevent the cancer cells from growing and eventually destroy them. Cancers, which are basically potentially fatal, always have the best prognosis if they are detected and treated in time. In the event of unexplained or persistent symptoms, a doctor should therefore always be consulted.
