Throat

From ArticleWorld

The throat is that portion of the neck that is in front of or anterior to the spinal column. It contains components of muscle, bone, and soft tissue. The throat is technically part of both the digestive and respiratory system.

Anatomy

The most posterior aspect of the throat is the hypopharynx and the beginning of the esophagus, where food passes during swallowing. The trachea begins in the throat as well and has, as its upper entrance, the cartilaginous vocal cords.

The hyoid bone is the only bony portion of the throat. It is a free-floating bone supported by the stylohyoid ligaments that connect the bone to the styloid processes of the temporal bone. Several muscles attach to the hyoid bone as well, including muscles that are called “strap muscles” which travel up and down the front of the neck.

The inside of the throat is covered in mucus membrane that is lubricated by saliva and nasal mucus. This allows for easier transport of food down the esophagus and can further trap small particles in the air before they reach the lungs.

Function

The throat serves many functions. When taking in food, muscles of the throat must act in coordination so that food is propelled toward the esophagus and away from the closed vocal cords. It must also provide for a conduit for air entering the trachea and going further into the lungs for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The throat contains the vocal cords or larynx and helps form the sounds necessary to make understandable words. Paralysis of one or more vocal cords greatly affects the ability to form word sounds.

Conditions

“Throat infections” can be that involving the tonsils (that are not actually part of the throat), the pharynx, the larynx or the trachea. Often all of these areas are affected at the same time. When the infection involves the vocal cords, the individual can “lose” one’s voice and become hoarse. Swallowing is painful when the pharynx is involved. When the trachea is involved in a respiratory infection, there can be difficulty breathing.

Cancer of the throat, including the vocal cords, is a usually a result of cigarette smoking. Often the person notices a swelling in the exterior of the throat or hoarseness in their voice that doesn’t go away. Some of the throat or vocal cords may have to be removed or the individual may need radiation to their throat. In severe cases, a tracheotomy or hole in the throat is necessary to provide a means of getting air into the lungs.