About Throat

The throat is the front part of the neck extending down from the mouth to the top of the esophagus. It involves the pharynx and the larynx (voice box). The throat contains the epiglottis that separates the windpipe (trachea) from the food pipe (esophagus) and thus prevents food and fluids from entering the windpipe.

• Oral Cavity-The oral cavity consists of lips, palate, buccal mucosa, and the mouth floor containing teeth, tonsils, and tongue. Teeth are used for crushing the food into tiny pieces; the tongue is used for swallowing and tasting. The tonsils are a pair of pads of tissue on either side of the throat, above the back of the tongue. Furthermore, there is a single pad of tissue behind the nose known as an Adenoid. Tonsils and Adenoids perform the function of defending the body against infection in the early years of life. One can face breathing problems due to abnormally developed adenoids. Ear issues such as infections or glue ears can be met if they restrict the eustachian tubes. Tonsils possess pits known as crypts. These crypts can pile up food debris and dead skin cells, shedding continuously and looking like white spots on the tonsil. Occasionally this can be a cause of foul breath. Tonsils can get infected frequently. Sometimes they swell up, making breathing and swallowing hard. If tonsils and adenoids create complications, they have to be extracted. Luckily, they are not necessary for a healthy life, and their removal is not an issue of further concern.
• The larynx-The larynx is situated between the buccal cavity and the windpipe (trachea). During swallowing, the larynx shifts upwards and is shut by a trapdoor, the epiglottis. The vocal cords are also shut to stop the food from entering the lungs. The vocal cords are situated at the base of the larynx and are a pair of fibrous tissues. The vocal cords come together and tighten to facilitate the process of speaking. Words are produced by forcing air into the larynx and then modulating by the lips and the tongue. The pitch of the voice is controlled by changing the tension in the vocal cords. The cricopharyx is the narrowest part of the esophagus and is positioned behind the larynx. The cricopharyx is the part where foreign particles are most likely to get stuck.
• The thyroid gland is positioned in front of the larynx and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the metabolism of a body. Along with the thyroid, parathyroid glands also help in maintaining the well-being of the body. Below the jawbone (mandible) on each side lies the submandibular gland, and in front of the pinna lies on each side parotid glands. Many glands, along with the mentioned ones, maintain the moisture in our oral cavity. Lymph Nodes are the small nodular structures on either side of the neck. They form the lymphatic system along with lymphatic tubes. The Lymphatic system drains the debris from our body. Lymph Nodes are not noticeable until they get swollen up.