Suunruokatorvi

Suunruokatorvi, also known as the pharynx, is a part of the throat found in vertebrates. It is located behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the esophagus and larynx. The pharynx serves as a passageway for both food and air. It is divided into three main sections: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx.

The nasopharynx is the uppermost section, connected to the nasal cavity. It plays a role in breathing and contains the opening of the Eustachian tube, which connects to the middle ear. The oropharynx is the middle section, located behind the oral cavity. It is involved in both breathing and digestion, and it is here that food passes from the mouth to the esophagus. The laryngopharynx, the lowest section, is situated below the oropharynx and surrounds the larynx. It also serves as a pathway for food and air.

The walls of the pharynx are composed of muscles that help propel food down into the esophagus through a process called swallowing or deglutition. During swallowing, a flap of cartilage called the epiglottis covers the opening of the larynx to prevent food from entering the airway and lungs. The pharynx is also lined with mucous membranes, which help to moisten and protect the tissues. It is an integral part of the digestive and respiratory systems, facilitating the vital functions of eating and breathing.