Diagram of Pharynx

The diagram of pharynx helps us to understand its structure and function. The pharynx is a muscular tube in the throat that connects the mouth to the esophagus and the nose to the larynx. The simple diagram of pharynx shows its three main parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. The diagram of pharynx class 10 is important for examinations.

A well-labeled diagram of pharynx is given below:

What is Pharynx?

The pharynx diagram shows its structrure as a muscular tube in the neck that connects the nose and mouth to the larynx and oesophagus. It is part of the digestive system and is located behind the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and larynx. The structure of pharynx diagram shows three parts: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

The nasopharynx connects to the nasal cavity, the oropharynx to the mouth, and the laryngopharynx to the larynx and oesophagus. The pharynx plays an important role in swallowing, breathing, and vocalization, making it an essential component of the respiratory and digestive systems.

Pharynx Anatomy

The pharynx is located at the base of the skull and ends at the lower border of the cricoid cartilage (C6). The pharynx is divided into three parts and its structure is divided into:

Internal Structure of Pharynx

The diagram of pharynx shows the internal structure comprising of following parts:

Nasopharynx

• The nasopharynx is the uppermost part of the pharynx, located behind the nasal cavity.
• It communicates with the nasal cavity through the posterior nasal apertures also called as choanae.
• The pharyngeal tonsils or adenoids are located on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.
• The Eustachian tubes also called as auditory tubes open into the lateral walls of the nasopharynx, connecting it to the middle ear.

Oropharynx

• The oropharynx is the middle portion of the pharynx, situated behind the oral cavity.
• It extends from the soft palate to the level of the hyoid bone.
• The palatine tonsils are located in the lateral walls of the oropharynx.
• It serves as a common pathway for both food and air, as it is involved in swallowing and breathing.

Laryngopharynx

• The laryngopharynx is the lowermost part of the pharynx, situated behind the larynx.
• It extends from the hyoid bone to the level of the cricoid cartilage.
• The laryngopharynx is continuous with both the esophagus posteriorly and the larynx anteriorly.
• It moves food and air into their respective passages during swallowing.

External Structure of Pharynx

The pharynx consists of external parts such as:

Muscles

• Pharyngeal muscles are voluntary striated muscles spanning from the nasopharynx to the esophagus.
• They work together to propel food from the mouth to the esophagus, involving the superior, middle, and inferior constrictor muscles, along with the stylopharyngeus and palatopharyngeus muscles.
• These muscles, comprising the inner pharynx, also play a role in elevating the larynx, shortening the pharynx, and helping in swallowing and speech.

Blood Supply

• The blood supply to the pharynx comes from branches of the external carotid artery, including the ascending pharyngeal artery and branches from the facial and lingual arteries.
• The lower part of the pharynx receives blood supply from the inferior thyroid artery and superior thyroid artery. 
• The rest of the pharynx receives blood from the ascending palatine, tonsillar branches of the facial artery and maxillary artery.

Nerve Supply

• The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) and the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) supply the muscles of the pharynx. 
• The vagus nerve supplies all the muscles except the stylopharyngeus, which is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Lymphatics

• The pharynx has an extensive network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes,
• They play a vital role in immune defense and drainage of lymphatic fluid from the head and neck region.

Conclusion – Diagram of Pharynx

The diagram of pharynx shows it as a muscular tube that act as a vital junction for both respiratory and digestive systems. It is located behind the nasal and oral cavities, and extends to connect with the esophagus and larynx. This allow the passage of air during breathing, food during swallowing, and help in speech production. The pharynx also contains immune structures like tonsils and help in equalizing pressure in the middle ear.

FAQs on Diagram of Pharynx

What is Pharynx Class 10?

The pharynx, also known as the throat, is a muscular tube that connects the mouth, nose, and throat. It’s part of both the digestive and respiratory systems. 

What Lines the Pharynx?

The pharynx is lined with a mucous membrane, which consists of a moist tissue layer containing epithelial cells. This lining helps protect the pharynx and facilitates the passage of food and air during swallowing and breathing.

What is the Function of the Pharynx?

The pharynx functions as a passage for both air and food, facilitating breathing, swallowing, and speech.

What are the 3 Parts of the Pharynx?

The pharynx is divided into three parts, from top to bottom into nasopharynx, Oropharynx and Lar.yngopharynx.

What is the Size of the Pharynx?

The pharynx, also known as the throat, is a hollow, muscular tube that is 12–14 cm (5 in) long. It extends from the base of the skull to the upper border of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES).

What is the Location of the Pharynx?

The pharynx, also known as the throat, is located in the middle of the neck, behind the nose, and opens into the esophagus and larynx. 

What is the Pharynx Made of?

The pharynx, also known as the throat, is a tube that’s made of muscle, connective tissue, and mucous lining. The pharynx is made up of the following layers: Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscle layer, and Fibrosa.

Where can I Find Simple Diagram of Pharynx?

You can find labelled diagram of pharynx at the top of this article.