pharynx

American  

[far-ingks] / ˈfær ɪŋks /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

pharynges, pharynxes

1. the tube or cavity, with its surrounding membrane and muscles, that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus.

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pharynx British  

/ ˈfærɪŋks /

noun

1. the part of the alimentary canal between the mouth and the oesophagus Compare nasopharynx

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pharynx Scientific  

/ făr′ĭngks /

plural

pharynges

1. The passage that leads from the cavities of the nose and mouth to the larynx (voice box) and esophagus. Air passes through the pharynx on the way to the lungs, and food enters the esophagus from the pharynx.

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Etymology

Origin of pharynx

1685–95; < New Latin < Greek phárynx throat, akin to pháranx gulf, chasm

Compare meaning

How does pharynx compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• pharynx vs. larynx

Explanation

The pharynx is the part of your throat right behind your mouth. If you have a sore throat, tell your mom you have an inflamed pharynx. It sounds more impressive and might get you out of doing the dishes. You might not know it, but you use your pharynx all day long. It's the muscular tube in the front of your neck that lets you take in both air and food. When you eat, food moves through your pharynx to your esophagus and then to your stomach. When you breathe, air is taken in through your nose and then moves through the pharynx to the trachea and, finally, to your lungs.

Example Sentences

Included in the upper respiratory tract are the Nostrils, Nasal Cavities, Pharynx, Epiglottis, and the Larynx.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Figure 22.6 Divisions of the Pharynx The pharynx is divided into three regions: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 23.12 Pharynx The pharynx runs from the nostrils to the esophagus and the larynx.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The third, call'd Sphenopharyng�us, proceeds from the Apophysis Styliformis, and is terminated in the side of the Pharynx, which it dilates by drawing its sides.

From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel

The Pharynx is a round and somewhat cone-shaped cavity, about four and one half inches in length, which lies just back of the nostrils, mouth, and larynx.

From Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools by Walters, Francis M.

Related Words

• esophagus
• larynx