nasopharyngealen

Nasopharygealen, in English commonly referred to as the nasopharynx, is the upper part of the pharynx located behind the nasal cavities and above the soft palate. It extends from the choanae (the openings from the nasal cavity) to the level of the soft palate, and it is continuous with the nasal cavity and the oropharynx below. The nasopharynx is lined by a ciliated, pseudostratified columnar epithelium that helps filter and warm inhaled air.

Anatomically, the nasopharynx contains several notable structures. The roof and posterior wall form its boundaries, while the pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids) are on its roof and upper posterior wall, particularly prominent in children. The openings of the auditory (Eustachian) tubes lie on the lateral walls, allowing drainage and pressure equalization between the middle ear and the nasopharynx. The area around the Eustachian openings is known as the torus tubarius. The nasopharynx communicates superiorly with the skull base and is separated from the nasal cavity by the choanae.

Functionally, the nasopharynx serves as a passageway for air from the nasal cavity to the oropharynx and lungs. Its mucosa plays a role in mucociliary clearance and local immune defense, aided by the presence of pharyngeal-associated lymphoid tissue.

Clinically, disorders of the nasopharynx include nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the region), adenoid hypertrophy causing nasal obstruction or otitis media with effusion in children, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a relatively rare cancer with higher incidence in certain populations. Diagnosis relies on endoscopy, imaging (CT or MRI), and biopsy for suspected malignancy. Treatment depends on the condition and may range from medical management to surgical procedures or radiation therapy.