nasopharynx
Behind nasal cavity
The nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat behind the nasal cavity, where the nose connects to the airway.
It sits above the soft palate and contains the adenoids.
Air passes through the nasopharynx when breathing through the nose: The doctor examined her nasopharynx for signs of infection.
Mid-throat cavity
- adenoidsNasal lymphoid tissue
- eustachianOf ear-throat passage
- tonsilsThroat's lymphoid tissue
- uvulaSoft palate pendant
turbinates · sphenoid · palatine · velopharyngeal · mucosa · epithelium · soft palate
Pharyngeal tonsil inflammation
- sinusitisInflamed nasal cavities
- endoscopyInternal organ examination
- postnasal dripMucus flowing down throat
- polypsFixed aquatic invertebrates
lymphoid · rhinitis · tonsillitis · epiglottitis · biopsy · obstruction · stenosis · swab
Passage for breath
- breathingPulmonary gas exchange
- airflowMovement of atmosphere
- ventilationCirculation of fresh air
- inhaleDraw air in
exhale · obstruction · snoring · sleep apnea · mouth breathing · humidification · filtration · warming
Sense of scent detection
- smellOlfactory perception
- resonanceAmplified oscillation at natural frequency
- phonationVocal fold vibration
- swallowingIngesting via throat muscles
oropharynx
Mid-throat cavity
- adenoidsNasal lymphoid tissue
- eustachianOf ear-throat passage
- tonsilsThroat's lymphoid tissue
uvula · turbinates · sphenoid · palatine · velopharyngeal · mucosa · epithelium · soft palate
adenoiditis
Pharyngeal tonsil inflammation
- sinusitisInflamed nasal cavities
- endoscopyInternal organ examination
- postnasal dripMucus flowing down throat
polyps · lymphoid · rhinitis · tonsillitis · epiglottitis · biopsy · obstruction · stenosis · swab · culture
airway
Passage for breath
- breathingPulmonary gas exchange
- airflowMovement of atmosphere
- ventilationCirculation of fresh air
inhale · exhale · obstruction · snoring · sleep apnea · mouth breathing · humidification · filtration · warming · respiratory
olfaction
Sense of scent detection
- smellOlfactory perception
- resonanceAmplified oscillation at natural frequency
- phonationVocal fold vibration
swallowing · deglutition · immune defense · air conditioning
- throatthroat, larynx, esophagus, tonsils, epiglottis
- respiratory systemlungs, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, airways
- ENTear, otology, otolaryngologist, ears, laryngology
- nasal anatomynostrils, septum, turbinate, turbinates, concha
- vocal tractlarynx, vocal cords, vocal folds, glottis, tongue
nasopharynxhypopharynx
Lowest pharyngeal cavity region
oropharynx · larynx · esophagus · voice box · trachea