# Pharynx --- The **pharynx**, or the **throat** is a combination part of the [[respiratory tracts|upper respiratory tract]] and the [[gastrointestinal tract|upper GI tract]] that runs from the [[nose]] and [[mouth]] to the [[esophagus]] and [[respiratory tracts|trachea]]. The [[esophagus|epiglottis]] separates the esophagus and trachea, normally covering the esophagus unless you're swallowing, when it opens up to allow the passage of food. The pharynx is divided up into the **nasopharynx**, the **oropharynx** and the **laryngopharynx**, but I think that has more to do with function and where it's easily seen from than any super practical function. ![[pharynx.png]] ## Tonsils & Adenoids The **tonsils and adenoids** are these things that life in the pharynx, at the back of the mouth. They're typically visible (unless they've been removed), and they're the same pink as the oral mucosa. The texture is a little bumpy, the little indentations are called crypts. There should be no exudate (drainage) as that's a sign of infection. Tonsils are rates in as sizes. A normal size is 0 or 1+ - 0 not visible (removed or too small) - 1+ visible - 2+ halfway between tonsillar pillars and uvula - 3+ touching uvula - 4+ touching each other — abnormal finding ![[tonsils.png]] ___