Pharynx - Practice Questions & MCQ

• The pharynx can be defined as the space through which the air and food pass.
• It is commonly called the throat. It takes part in both the digestion and respiration.
• When food enters the pharynx, involuntary muscle contractions close off the air passageways.
• Structurally pharynx is a tube of skeletal muscles that is lined by the mucous membrane.
• It runs from the posterior nasal and oral cavities to the opening of the oesophagus and larynx.
• There are three subdivisions of the pharynx:
  • Nasopharynx: It is the superior subdivision. It lies superior to the soft palate and ends at the uvula. It is involved only in breathing and speech. It communicates laterally with the middle ear through the eustachian tube. 
  • Oropharynx: It begins by the uvula and continues until the level of the hyoid bone. It is involved in both breathing and digestion.
  • Laryngopharynx: It is continuous with the oropharynx and is involved in both breathing and digestion. The inferior border of the laryngopharynx connects to the oesophagus, whereas the anterior portion connects to the larynx, allowing air to flow into the lungs.

PARTS OF PHRAYNX ARE SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAM BELOW