Faryngeal

Faryngeal is an adjectival form referring to the pharynx, the muscular tube that lies behind the nasal and oral cavities and connects them to the larynx and esophagus. In English, the standard term is pharyngeal; faryngeal appears as an alternative spelling in some languages or older texts.

Anatomy and structure: The pharynx extends from the base of the skull to the superior aspect of the larynx, and is traditionally divided into three regions: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx (also called the hypopharynx). The pharyngeal wall contains three constrictor muscles (superior, middle, inferior) that coordinate to propel a swallow, along with longitudinal muscles such as stylopharyngeus and salpingopharyngeus that elevate the pharynx during swallowing. The pharyngeal plexus, formed by branches of the vagus nerve (CN X) and contributions from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), provides motor and sensory innervation to most of the pharynx. Sensory fibers to the oropharynx are largely carried by CN IX.

Function: The primary role of the pharynx is in deglutition, where sequential constriction moves food from the oropharynx into the esophagus while protecting the airway. The nasopharynx also participates in respiration and pressure equalization via the Eustachian tubes.

Clinical relevance: Conditions affecting the pharynx include pharyngitis, tonsillar hypertrophy in the nasopharynx (adenoids), and various tumors or inflammatory processes. Embryologically, the pharynx develops from the foregut with contributions from the pharyngeal arches, giving rise to muscles, nerves, and other structures.