Pharynx Functional Anatomy

Nasopharynx

Lined with respiratory epithelium and help with warming, humidifying and filtering air

Oropharynx

Lying posterior to oral cavity, common path for food and air, lined with non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium

Larynx pharynx

Third part of the pharynx extending from the epiglottis to the oesophagus, opens into larynx anteriorly and oesophagus posteriorly, common path for food and air, stratified squamous epithelium changes to non-keratinised in this region

Larynx (voice box)

Supported by cartilage, ligaments and muscles, thyroid cartilage enlarges into adam’s apple after puberty in males - smooth hyaline cartilage

Epiglottis

Leaf life elastic cartilage, covers opening of larynx (glottis) during swallowing so that food and drinks cannot enter airways

Cricoid cartilage

Hyaline cartilage found between the thyroid cartilage, linked by a membrane - membrane cut open during emergency if airways are obstructed - cricothyroidotomy

Vocal chords (folds)

Membranous tissue arising from the sides of the larynx, forms a slit like opening = glottis, movement of air through glottis vibrates vocal chords to produce sound and speech