What is Pharynx?
{{for|another organ|larynx}} [[File:Illu pharynx.jpg|right|250px]] The '''pharynx''' is an organ in the back of the throat. It is also the meeting point of the [[Digestive system|digestive]] and the [[Respiratory system|respiratory systems]]. The opening of the respiratory system in the pharynx is called the glottis. It is guarded by a [[Cartilage|cartilagenous]] flap called the epiglottis which prevents food or liquid from going into the respiratory system. It closes during [[swallowing]] action. As such, it is part of the gastrointestinal system. It comes after the [[mouth]] and before the [[esophagus]]. Food and air go through the pharynx. The pharynx keeps food and [[liquid]]s out of the [[lung]]s. [[File:Pharynx (naso, oro, laryngo) simplification.png|thumb|The 3 parts of the pharynx can be thought of as where 3 tubes (nose, mouth, windpipe) connect to it]] The pharynx has 3 parts: # Nasopharynx - the upper part of the back of the throat, that leads up into the [[nose]] # Oropharynx - the part at the back of the [[throat]] # Laryngopharynx - the bottom part, before the [[Trachea|windpipe]] and [[esophagus]] split from 1 into 2 tubes {{gastrointestinal system}} {{Biology-stub}} [[Category:Neck]]