The pharynx is the medical term for throat. The pharynx is included in both the digestive system and the respiratory system. This makes humans able to breathe and swallow food at the same time without distressing the body. The pharynx is the direct passageway for both air to enter the lungs and food to enter the stomach. Vocalization is possible because the vocal cords are in the pharynx.

The human pharynx is divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. The nasopharynx is at the base of the skull next to the upper surface of the soft palate. This part of the pharynx is most important to the digestive system and respiratory system. The pharyngeal tonsil is a mass of lymphoid tissue. Most people know the pharyngeal tonsil as the adenoid.

The oropharynx is extends from the uvula to the epiglottis. The pharynx allows for both food and air to pass through the body with the help of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the lungs when swallowing.

The larynopharynx is the part of the pharynx that connects to the esophagus. This part of the throat diverts food to the stomach by temporarily ceasing air. When this happens, it prevents the body from choking or aspirating. This part of the pharynx is in the fourth and sixth cervical vertebrate.

In general, a sore throat is called pharyngitis. Pharyngitis is an infection and inflammation of the pharynx. A physician uses a tongue depressor to examine for an infection or other abnormalities. Infections are common, because the pharynx allows food and air to enter the body. When the tonsils become infected numerous times, a physician may remove them to prevent future infections.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a cancer in the upper part of the pharynx. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is typically not found until it has metastasized to other parts of the body. This type of throat cancer is rare in the U.S.

Vocal cords are in the pharynx. Vocalization is made possible through the vocal cords. When the vocal cords rub across one another, it creates sounds. The human voice gives people the ability to communicate with each other. Most people have the ability to talk, sing, laugh, or scream.

Even though the pharynx is, simply, the throat, it has one of the most important tasks in the human body. It allows the body to breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The pharynx allows food to enter the stomach to provide the body with nourishment without choking or aspirating.