Nasopharynx

The nasopharynx is the superior part of the pharynx, located behind the nasal cavities and above the soft palate. It extends from the posterior choanae to the inferior edge of the soft palate, and its roof sits against the skull base.

Anatomy and lining: The mucosa of the nasopharynx is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) lies on the roof and posterior wall. The pharyngeal opening of the auditory (Eustachian) tubes is on the lateral wall near the torus tubarius, which surrounds each ostium. The nasopharynx communicates with the nasal cavity above the soft palate and with the oropharynx below.

Function: The nasopharynx serves as a passage for air between the nasal cavity and the lower pharynx, helping to warm, humidify, and filter inspired air. It contains lymphoid tissue that contributes to immune defense, particularly in childhood.

Clinical significance: Enlargement of the adenoids can cause nasal obstruction and snoring in children. The nose–throat region can be involved in infections such as nasopharyngitis and in conditions affecting the Eustachian tube, including otitis media with effusion. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor arising in this region; it is associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection and shows geographic and ethnic variation in incidence. NPC may present with nasal obstruction, epistaxis, or cervical lymphadenopathy.

Vascular and lymphatic relations: The nasopharynx receives blood from branches of the ascending pharyngeal and maxillary arteries and drains venous blood into the pharyngeal venous plexus. Lymphatics drain to retropharyngeal nodes and then to deep cervical nodes. Innervation is via the pharyngeal plexus, with contributions from the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, and sympathetic fibers accompany the vessels.