Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2025

Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
Anatomy of the Pharynx and Cervical Esophagus
Ayca Akgoz Karaosmanoglu1, Burce Ozgen2
1Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Sihhiye 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
The pharynx is a complex muscular structure allowing breathing, swallowing, as well speech through common airspace. The normal imaging appearance of the pharynx and cervical esophagus can be challenging given the numerous interleaved surrounding muscles and numerous connections. This article presents the imaging anatomy of the pharynx and cervical esophagus and also discusses the clinical relevance of selected anatomical structures that have important significance in disease development and extension.
Related Concept Videos
Pharynx
Nasopharynx
The nasopharynx, bordered by the conchae of the nasal cavity, serves exclusively as an air conduit. In its superior region, the pharyngeal tonsils or adenoids are located. These tonsils are clusters of lymphoid reticular tissue akin to a lymph node. The precise...
Esophagus
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion

