The throat or pharynx is part of the respiratory system and more specifically the upper respiratory system or upper respiratory tract. This upper respiratory system consists of the nose and nasal cavity, the pharynx and the larynx. These structures allow us to breathe and speak. They warm and clean the air we breathe in: the mucous membranes lining the upper respiratory structures trap foreign particles, such as smoke or other pollutants, before allowing the air to flow to the lungs.

The pharynx connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and eosophagus. The pharynx, or throat, is shaped like a funnel. During breathing, it carries air between the larynx and the trachea and the nasal and oral cavities. The pharynx consists of three regions: The nasopharynx is at the back of the nasal cavity and serves only to let air through. The oropharynx is located behind the oral cavity and houses the palatal tonsils. Both air and ingested food pass through the oropharynx and then through the laryngopharynx below.