Functions:
The pharynx is a common passageway for air and food so pharynx has dual role. The pharynx opens into two pathways one is oesophagus for food passage and the other is trachea for air passage. The second phase of swallowing takes place in the pharynx. The moistened food bolus is moved to the back of the mouth by the tongue and pushed into the pharynx. Then in pharynx muscle contractions take place and swallowing reflex is triggered. The food bolus is then pushed toward the oesophagus. This swallowing reflex prevents the food from entering into the wind pipe or larynx.
Diseases:
There are various conditions like pharyngitis, acute and chronic pharyngitis. Ulcerations of the pharynx, tuberculous pharynx, and circulatory disturbances like gas coming from stomach may cause husky voice. Pharyngeal pouch, an anatomical weakness in some of the muscles of pharynx could give rise to the development of the pharyngeal pouch also known as the zenker’s diverticulum. Pharyngeal cancer is last but not the least disease condition of the pharynx.
Interesting Facts:
It is considered as an instrument of speech as it helps the various parts of mouth to form the initial sounds produced in the larynx the voice box.
