The term "nasal pharynx" is used to describe the upper part of the pharynx that connects to the nasal cavity. The word "nasal" refers to the nose, while "pharynx" describes the back of the throat. The correct spelling of this term can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "s" in "nasal" is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/, while the "ph" in "pharynx" is pronounced as an aspirated voiceless bilabial plosive /pʰ/. Therefore, the correct spelling is "nasal pharynx".
The nasal pharynx is a specialized section of the pharynx, an anatomical structure located at the back of the throat. More specifically, it is the uppermost part of the pharynx, situated behind the nasal cavity and above the oral cavity. It serves as a passage for both air and food, directing inhaled air from the nasal cavity to the lungs while also allowing swallowed food to travel from the oral cavity to the esophagus.
The nasal pharynx plays a vital role in the respiratory and digestive systems. It is lined with a mucous membrane that produces mucus, which helps to moisten and protect the passages. Additionally, small hair-like structures called cilia are present in the nasal pharynx, which help to trap and sweep away any foreign particles that may have entered through the nose, preventing them from entering the lungs.
One notable feature of the nasal pharynx is the existence of the pharyngeal tonsils, also referred to as adenoids. Positioned at the roof of the nasal cavity, these lymphatic tissues help to detect and defend against foreign substances, boosting the immune response when necessary. However, in certain cases, the adenoids may become enlarged, leading to obstructions and breathing difficulties that require medical attention.
Overall, the nasal pharynx is a crucial component of the upper respiratory and digestive systems, contributing to the flow of air and the transportation of food, as well as serving as a defense mechanism against harmful substances.
Pars nasalis pharyngis, nasopharynx, rhinopharynx, the upper end of the pharynx above the soft palate; anteriorly it opens into the nasal cavities.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "nasal" comes from the Latin word "nasus", which means "nose". The word "pharynx" also has a Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "pharugx", meaning "throat". When combined, "nasal pharynx" refers to the part of the throat that is connected to the nose.