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oral pharynx
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A labeled medical illustration shows a sagittal section of the pharynx, highlighting anatomical features such as the tonsils, palate, tongue, epiglottis, and related muscles. An inset diagram identifies the nasal, oral, and laryngeal regions of the pharynx in color.
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oral pharynx

anatomy
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A labeled medical illustration shows a sagittal section of the pharynx, highlighting anatomical features such as the tonsils, palate, tongue, epiglottis, and related muscles. An inset diagram identifies the nasal, oral, and laryngeal regions of the pharynx in color.
human pharynx Sagittal section of the pharynx.

The oral pharynx is one of three divisions of the pharynx, or throat. It serves as a shared passageway for both the respiratory and digestive systems, connecting the mouth to the esophagus. This region is crucial for swallowing, as muscles in its walls propel food downward. It also houses the palatine tonsils, which are part of the immune system and help combat infection. The oral pharynx begins at the back of the mouth and extends down to the epiglottis, a flap that directs food into the esophagus and air into the larynx.12

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. human digestive system - Pharynx
  2. pharynx
  3. tonsil

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