Anatomy

Pharynx

A funnel-shaped fibromuscular tube that conducts food to the ESOPHAGUS, and air to the LARYNX and LUNGS. It is located posterior to the NASAL CAVITY; ORAL CAVITY; and LARYNX, and extends from the SKULL BASE to the inferior border of the CRICOID CARTILAGE anteriorly and to the inferior border of the C6 vertebra posteriorly. It is divided into the NASOPHARYNX; OROPHARYNX; and HYPOPHARYNX (laryngopharynx).

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A funnel-shaped fibromuscular tube that conducts food to the ESOPHAGUS, and air to the LARYNX and LUNGS. It is located posterior to the NASAL CAVITY; ORAL CAVITY; and LARYNX, and extends from the SKULL BASE to the inferior border of the CRICOID CARTILAGE anteriorly and to the inferior border of the C6 vertebra posteriorly. It is divided into the NASOPHARYNX; OROPHARYNX; and HYPOPHARYNX (laryngopharynx).

MeSH Record

Classification

Related Concepts

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See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Throat
  • Pharynxs
  • Throats

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

23 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

inflammation = PHARYNGITIS; /surg: consider also PHARYNGECTOMY & PHARYNGOSTOMY; HYPOPHARYNX; NASOPHARYNX; & OROPHARYNX are also available

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. A03w.556w.750w
  2. A04w.623w
  3. A14w.724w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Pharynx. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D010614. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D010614
  2. Pharynx. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharynx
  3. Pharynx. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q174778