Function of pharynx in respiratory system

To sustain life, the body must produce sufficient energy. Energy is produced by burning molecules in food, which is done by the process of oxidation (whereby food molecules are combined with oxygen). Oxidation involves carbon and hydrogen being combined with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. The consumption of oxygen and the production of carbon dioxide are thus indispensable to life. It follows that the human body must have an organ system designed to Exchanging Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide The primary function of the respiratory system is to take in oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. Inhaled oxygen enters the lungs and reaches the alveoli. The layers of cells lining the alveoli... read more from the circulating blood and absorb oxygen from the atmosphere at a rate rapid enough for the body’s needs, even during peak exercise. The respiratory system enables oxygen to enter the body and carbon dioxide to leave the body. The respiratory system starts at the nose and mouth and continues through the airways and the lungs. Air enters the respiratory system through the nose and mouth and passes down the throat (pharynx) and through the voice box, or larynx. The entrance to the larynx is covered by a small flap of tissue, the epiglottis, that automatically closes during swallowing, thus preventing food or drink from entering the airways. The bronchi themselves branch many times into smaller airways, ending in the narrowest airways (bronchioles), which are as small as one ha...

The human body is made up of many amazing parts and systems that all work together to keep us healthy. One of the key components of both the respiratory system and the digestive system is the pharynx, but most people don’t call it that. What Is the Pharynx? The pharynx, also known as the throat, is the muscular tunnel that connects the mouth and nose to the esophagus and the larynx. The Pharynx anatomy consists of three key segments: • Nasopharynx, the top segment which connects to the nose and allows air to pass through • Oropharynx, the middle segment which connects to the mouth and lets air, food, and fluid through • Laryngopharynx, also called the hypopharynx, which is the bottom segment near the voice box that regulates the flow of air into the lungs and food and drink into the esophagus Other pharynx parts include the eustachian tubes and the tonsils. The eustachian tubes, also called auditory tubes, are the tubes that connect your middle ear, behind your eardrum, to the back of your nose and throat. Where Is the Pharynx Located? The pharynx begins in the skull, above the mouth, and stretches down to the esophagus and trachea. The nasopharynx starts at the back of your nasal cavity and stretches down to the roof of your mouth. It connects the nose and mouth but doesn’t include any of the mouth or what is typically thought of as the “throat.” The oropharynx is the part of the pharynx behind the mouth. It consists of the walls of the throat, tonsils, last third of the ...

Read about Pharynx Function in Digestive and Respiratory System. The digestive and respiratory system share some common spaces. The digestive system is composed of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. There are also a number of glands that lie outside the system that contribute to its function. These include the salivary glands, liver and pancreas. The respiratory system is composed of the mouth or external nares, the pharynx, glottis, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. The latter three structures are in the lung. These two systems consider how the material moving through them is being altered. Pharynx Function in Digestive and Respiratory System Let’s review Pharynx Function in Digestive and Respiratory System. Pharynx The human pharynx is the part of the throat situated immediately inferior to (below) the mouth and nasal cavity, and superior to the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx extends from the base of the skull down to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage (around the C6 vertebral level), where it becomes continuous with the esophagus. Its superior aspect is related to the sphenoid and occipital bones and the posterior aspect to the para-vertebral fascia and muscles as well as the upper six cervical vertebrae. It is a fibro-muscular tube lined by mucous membrane. The pharynx is the common channel for deglutition (swallowing) and respiration, and the food and air pathways cross each other in the pha...

Your larynx is a hollow tube that connects your throat (pharynx) to the rest of your respiratory system. It helps you swallow safely and contains the vocal cords, so it’s often called the voice box. Certain conditions and behaviors can damage your larynx and your voice, but some strategies and specialists can help. Overview What is the larynx? Your larynx is part of your respiratory system. It’s a hollow tube that lets air pass from your throat ( Where is the larynx? Your larynx is inside the middle of your neck, at the level of the Adam’s apple. It’s located between your fourth to sixth cervical vertebrae (neck bones). Anatomy What is your larynx made of? Your larynx is made of: • The • • Membranes, which also help hold cartilage together. • What are the parts of the larynx? The anatomy of your larynx includes: • Epiglottis : This flap of skin covers the opening of your larynx. It keeps food and other particles from getting into your respiratory system. • False vocal cords: False vocal cords, or vestibular folds, close your larynx when you swallow so that food doesn’t go into your trachea and lungs. • Thyroid cartilage: This piece of cartilage on the front of your larynx is often called the Adam’s apple. • Vocal cords: Your vocal cords, or vocal folds, open, close and vibrate as air passes through to create sounds and speech. How long is the larynx? The larynx is about 2 inches long in adults. It’s smaller in women than in men. A larger larynx usually means a deeper voice...