Presentation 2

1.

THE PHARYNX
The presentation was prepared by:
Mihail Arhipenkov, from 182 group.

2.

DEFINITION
The pharynx, also known as the throat, is a
muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity
and mouth to the larynx (voice box) and
esophagus. It is a vital part of the digestive and
respiratory systems, playing a key role in both
breathing and swallowing.
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3.

LOCATION
The pharynx is located in the back of the throat,
extending from the base of the skull to the level of
the sixth cervical vertebra. It lies behind the nasal
cavity, oral cavity, and larynx, and is connected to
the esophagus.
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4.

SHAPE
The pharynx has a funnel-shaped structure,
narrowing as it descends. It can be divided into
three parts:
* Nasopharynx: The top part of the pharynx
behind the nasal cavity.
* Oropharynx: The middle part of the pharynx
behind the mouth.
* Laryngopharynx: The bottom part of the
pharynx behind the larynx.
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5.

SIZE
The pharynx is approximately
5 inches (11-12 cm) long. Its
width varies depending on
the section, being larger in
the nasopharynx and
narrower in the
laryngopharynx.
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6.

WEIGHT
The pharynx is a relatively
light structure, weighing only
a few ounces. Its weight
varies depending on the
individual and their age.
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7.

STRUCTURE
The pharynx is composed of four layers:
* Mucous membrane: The innermost layer that lines the pharynx.
* Submucosa: A layer of connective tissue that contains blood vessels,
nerves, and glands.
* Muscular layer: A layer of muscles that helps with swallowing and
breathing.
* Fibrous layer: The outermost layer that provides support and
structure.
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8.

FUNCTIONS
The pharynx serves multiple crucial functions:
* Air passage: Air travels through the pharynx
during breathing.
* Food passage: Food passes through the
pharynx during swallowing.
* Speech production: The pharynx helps to
modify sounds produced by the larynx.
* Lymphatic function: The pharynx contains
tonsils, which are important for immune
defense.
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9.

DISEASES
The pharynx can be affected by various
diseases, including:
* Pharyngitis (sore throat): Inflammation of
the pharynx.
* Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils.
* Strep throat: A bacterial infection of the
pharynx.
* Cancer: Can occur in the pharynx,
especially because of smoking
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10.

INTERESTING FACTS
* The pharynx is a shared pathway
for both breathing and swallowing,
making it a complex and important
structure.
* During swallowing, the epiglottis,
a flap of cartilage, closes over the
opening of the larynx, preventing
food from entering the airways.
* Infants, unlike adults, can swallow
and breathe at the same time. This is
necessary so that they do not break
away from the food.

11.

THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION!