Pharynx

• It is part of the GI tract.
• It is a musculo-membranous tube.
• It measures 12-14 cm in length, 3-5 cm superiorly and 1-5 c inferiorly where it continues as esophagus. 
• This is the narrowest portion of the GI tract, other then for the appendix.

Portions

• Where It is placed behind the nasal passages, it is called nasopharynx.
• Where it is placed behind the mouth, it is called oropharynx.
• Where it is placed behind the larynx, laryngeal part of hypopharynx.

Relationship

• Above: Sphenoid base and Occipital base
• Below: Esophagus
• Posteriorly: Vertebral column and Prevertebral muscles & fascia
• Anteriorly: Nasal cavity, Mouth and Larynx
• Laterally
  • Communicates with middle ear through the eustachian tubes
  • Styloid process
  • Carotid vessels
  • Palatine tonsils

Nasopharynx

Lies behind the nose above the soft palate
Anteriorly - communicates with nasal cavities which measure 2.5 cm vertically and 1.2 cm transversely
Laterally - Eustachian tubes open

Oropharynx

Extends from soft palate to epiglottis
Lateral walls - palatine tonsils
Posteriorly - C2, C3 vertebra
Anteriorly - mouth and tongue

Laryngeal Part

Extends from the epiglottis to cricoid cartilage.
Perform fossa extends on either side as a small recess.