What is the pharynx and what is it for?

The pharynx is a hollow muscle located in the neck area, which is part of both the respiratory system and the digestive system, since it is attached to the nasal passages and at the same time in the mouth area, connecting them with the esophagus and the larynx. It is due to this tube-shaped space that the air and the food we consume , both necessary to live, pass through.

In the middle of both unions is the epiglottis, making the respective division between the respiratory areas and those that correspond to the digestive system, so that food does not move towards the larynx. The pharynx measures a total of 10-13cm and is positioned just in front of the spine.

What is the function of the pharynx?

The functions and characteristics of the pharynx, which we know simply as “the throat”, are varied, since it connects with muscles and organs of the body that are responsible for carrying out vital functions such as those we have already mentioned of breathing or the transit of food.

To put it in a simplified way, it is a duct that is responsible for connecting multiple organs and muscles to fulfill a series of functions together. These other organs will be mentioned in detail later, while some of the tasks in which the pharynx is involved are those mentioned below:

The pharynx participates in breathing

Thanks to this muscle of the body, we can inhale and exhale the air around us, which enters through the nose, passing towards the pharynx and can also travel to and from the mouth. Once it reaches the pharynx, it is conducted into the trachea and later to the lungs, covering the entire human breathing process.

The pharynx is related to hearing

The hearing aid also has a direct connection to this area, joining through the Eustachian tube (also known as the pharyngotympanic tube).

The pharynx and the swallowing process

This is the name given to the process of the passage of the food we eat, which passes from the mouth to the esophagus through the pharynx. This makes a series of muscular contractions that help the transit of food to the stomach and in turn prevent it from entering the trachea by mistake (for which the epiglottis also intervenes, making the proper separation).

The pharynx in phonation

This muscle protects the resonance chamber of the voice. On the other hand, it must be remembered that the vocal cords located in the larynx work precisely thanks to the vibration caused by the passage of the air we breathe, therefore, the pharynx in general is essential for us to make sounds.

In the pharynx are also the tonsils, who are responsible for protecting the body from infections that can be contracted in the environment. Also, this pipeline is responsible for the tasks related to salivation and smell.

What is the anatomy of the pharynx like?

This hollow muscle is covered for the most part by a protective layer of mucosa. It connects directly from the nose, mouth and ears, connecting each of them with other organs and muscles. Some of these have been mentioned previously in the explanation of the most relevant functions of the pharynx, however, now the characteristics of all these pieces will be explained individually.

Each of these organs has a particular function, which is fulfilled thanks to the union that this important muscle creates between one and the other to allow the passage of certain elements to the rest of the human body.

Larynx

The larynx is an organ that connects the pharynx with the trachea, in addition to being the part of the body that is responsible for creating the sound that we know as voice, because in it are the vocal cords and in fact, this part of the body It is also known as a “voice box”.

In addition to this, it is also responsible for controlling breathing since the air passes through that space.

Epiglotis

It is an organ that once the swallowing process begins in the body, closes the passage to the larynx, preventing food from being erroneously transported to the respiratory system, that is, to the trachea area and instead fall directly into the esophagus.

Windpipe

It is an organ of the respiratory system that passes air from the larynx to the area of ​​the bronchi. The function of the trachea is to be the main route through which all the air we breathe passes.

Esophagus

It is a muscular conduit that is responsible for connecting the pharynx with the stomach, through which all the food we consume passes. Like the pharynx, it is tube-shaped, but longer (about 25 centimeters).

Tonsils

They are a couple of masses with tissues that are found in the pharynx (one on each side) and are responsible for capturing all the germs that enter the body when we breathe, to prevent them from entering our system causing infections or diseases in general.

Pharyngeal sections

On the other hand, the pharynx itself can be divided into three sections in order to better recognize all its areas:

• The nasopharynx: is the part of the larynx that comes after the nasal cavity and is part of the respiratory system.
• Oropharynx: it is the area after the palate, where the epiglottis and tonsils are located.
• Laryngopharynx: is one that extends from the epiglottis to the esophagus.

What diseases affect the pharynx?

Problems affecting the throat area are often common even with minor colds or allergies, which tend to affect the airways and cause irritation or pain in the pharyngeal area.

• Among the diseases that can attack this muscle we have tonsillitis, which consists of an inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by a viral infection. The tonsils, despite fulfilling an important function, are not essential and in many cases where they suffer from this condition they choose to remove them through an operation.

This extraction leaves the patient in a certain way more vulnerable to the possible bacteria that can be acquired in the environment, however, there are cases where this option is necessary because the tonsillitis becomes constant or very strong to carry out a simple treatment.

• Pharyngitis is also another known disease that affects this area, which has to do with inflammation of the entire pharynx, where hoarseness or loss of voice can be seen.

• Cancer can also attack this muscle, although the type of cancer along with its conditions depends on the exact area of ​​the neck that is being affected.

• Laryngitis is a disease that also has to do with the pharynx, but in this case the vocal cords are directly affected.

How to protect the pharynx to avoid diseases?

It is always important to be alert to the signals that the body gives regarding discomfort, to avoid that it is progressive and serious health complications can arise over time.

In the case of the pharynx, it is important to maintain good health, consume plenty of water, as well as gargle with salt when there is mild or moderate irritation in that area, because this helps to reduce inflammation of the throat and prevents it from the pain expands and becomes acute.

Rest with respect to the voice is necessary if you feel that it is being forced, as irritation in the throat can affect the vocal cords, creating hoarseness. As for the constant cough, it can be alleviated by keeping the area where you are resting in a humid environment.

Protect the pharynx in winter seasons

In seasons such as winter, care must be taken to protect the body from the cold, especially this area with high-necked shirts or scarves, to prevent low temperatures from affecting health in general.

Have good body hygiene

It is also of great importance to always have good body hygiene, which prevents the spread of bacteria and diseases in general within our body. You should keep the oral area clean (with its respective daily hygiene), as well as wash your hands and face constantly, avoiding contact between your hands and your mouth if you are mainly on the street.

Being an area constantly exposed to bacteria, allergies, among other things because they can enter both through the nostrils and into the mouth (either through the air or through food), all these precautions must be taken into account to avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Protect the pharynx in spring

In times of allergy, such as spring, it is important to have the necessary palliatives according to the particular condition of each individual, such as anti-allergy, drops to avoid nasal congestion, among other things.

Faced with any illness or local discomfort that lasts over time, you should go to a trusted doctor to carry out the pertinent evaluation and consume the necessary medications to improve the health condition as soon as possible.