Dictionary.net

The part of the alimentary canal between the cavity of the mouth and the esophagus. It has one or two external openings through the nose in the higher vertebrates, and lateral branchial openings in fishes and some amphibias.

The part of the alimentary canal between the cavity of the mouth and the esophagus. It has one or two external openings through the nose in the higher vertebrates, and lateral branchial openings in fishes and some amphibias.

A cavity or passage behind the nose, mouth, and larynx, or upper part of the windpipe.

The cleft or cavity forming the upper part of the gullet.

Upper expansion of the gullet.

The part of the alimentary canal between the palate and the esophagus, serving as an air passage and also as a food passage.

A species of musculo-membranous, symmetrical canal, on the median line, irregularly funnel-shaped, and situate between the base of the cranium and the oesophagus, in front of the vertebral column. It is very narrow above; but dilates in the middle, and again contracts below, at its junction with the oesophagus. Into the anterior paries of the pharynx open, successively, from above to below,-the posterior orifices of the nasal fossae; the Eustachian tubes; the posterior aperture of the mouth, and the top of the larynx. The pharynx is formed, externally, of a muscular coat, and, internally, of a mucous membrane, which is continuous, above, with the Schneiderian membrane; and in the middle, with that of the mouth below, with that of the oesophagus; and, at the sides, with that of the Eustachian tubes. This membrane has no villi, and presents only a few inequalities, which are owing to the presence of muciparous follicles. The muscular coat of the pharynx is composed of the constrictor muscles, stylopharyngei, and pharyngostaphylini. The vessels and nerves are called pharyngeal. The pharynx serves as a common origin for the digestive and respiratory passages. It gives passage to the air, during respiration; and to the food at the time of deglutition.

The musculomembranous sac between the mouth and nares and the esophagus.

The cavity bounded by the base of the skull, the posterior nares, the opening into the mouth, the tonsils, the posterior wall of the larynx, the commencement of the esophagus, and the prevertebral structures. [Gr.]

n. [Greek] The cavity into which the nose and mouth open, and which is continuous below with the esophagus.