pharynx

phar·ynx

noun \ˈfa-riŋ(k)s\

plural pha·ryn·ges \fə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ also phar·ynx·es

Definition of PHARYNX

1

: the muscular tubular passage of the vertebrate digestive and respiratory tracts extending from the back of the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus — compare nasopharynx, oropharynx

2

: a differentiated part of the alimentary canal in some invertebrates that may be thickened and muscular, eversible and toothed, or adapted as a suctorial organ

Origin of PHARYNX

New Latin pharyng-, pharynx, from Greek, throat, pharynx; akin to Old Norse barki throat and probably to Latin ferire to strike — more at bore

First Known Use: 1677

phar·ynx

noun \ˈfar-iŋ(k)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; pha·ryn·ges \fə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ (audio pronunciation)also ; phar·ynx·es

Medical Definition of PHARYNX

: the part of the digestive and respiratory tracts situated between the cavity of the mouth and the esophagus and in humans being a conical musculomembranous tube about four and a half inches (11.43 centimeters) long that is continuous above with the mouth and nasal passages, communicates through the eustachian tubes with the ears, and extends downward past the opening into the larynx to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage where it is continuous with the esophagus—see laryngopharynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx

Illustration of PHARYNX

pharynx

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Inside of the throat, from the oral and nasal cavities (see mouth, nose) to the trachea and esophagus. It has three connected sections: the nasopharynx, at the back of the nasal cavity; the oropharynx, in the back of the oral cavity down to the epiglottis (a flap of tissue that closes off the larynx during swallowing); and the laryngopharynx, from the epiglottis to the esophagus. The oropharynx contains the palatine tonsils. The eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the pharynx, allowing air pressure on the eardrum to be equalized. Disorders include pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and cancer.