PHARYNX (Neo-Lat.. from Gk. cpciptrit, throat, pharynx: Connected with (bapa7,S. ph am ax, cleft, Onpay, pharan. to plow). The name of the combined portion of the respiratory and ali 'limitary tracts which lies behind the nose and mouth above and in front, and the larynx and (esophagus below. It is a inusculo-membranous sac, situated in front of the cervical portion of the vertebral column, and extending from the base of the occiput to the level of the fifth cervical vertebra, where it becomes continuous with the (esophagus (q.v.). Its length is about four inches and a half; it is broader in its transverse than iu its antero-posterior diameter. and it- narrow est point is at its termination in the (esophagus, Seven openings communicate with it. viz.: the two posterior nnrcs or nostrils. at the upper and front part of the pharynx: the two Ensinchinn tubes, opening on the outer margins of the preced ing orifices; the mouth; the larynx; and the o-sophayus.
The pharynx is composed of an external mus e/n/. coat ; a middle fibrous coat called tin« pharyngeal aponeurosis, thick above where the muscular coat is absent. and gradually thinning as it descends: and a m u co u s coat. eontinuous with the mucous mendiram. of the mouth and nostrils. The muscular coat requires special no
tice. It is composed of a superior. in1,11, and inferior constrictor muscle on either side. to gether with two less important soles, termed the stylo-pharynyeal and pnlnio-phurynycal mus des. When the food, after being sufficiently masticated and mixed with saliva. is thrown. by the action of the tongue. into the pharynx. the latter is drawn upward and dilated in different directions: the elevator muscles the stylo pharyngeal and palato-pharyngeal) then relax, and the pharynx descends; and as soon as the morsel is fairly within the sphere of action of the constrictor muscles, they successively COD tract upon it. and gradually pass it onward to the (esophagus. Independently of its importance in the act of swallowin,“, the pharynx exerts an influence on the modulation of the voice. espe cially in the production of the higher The pharynx is subject to various circulatory disturbances, to acute and chronic inflammations, ulceration. suppuration, and abscess. It is the most frequent site of diphtheria. This affection as well as the suppurative processes requires prompt and appropriate medical treatment.