Which part of the pharynx is located at the back of the nose and above the soft palate?

The nasopharynx is the part of the pharynx located at the back of the nose and above the soft palate. It serves as an airway passage during breathing and connects the nasal cavity to the oropharynx. The anatomical position of the nasopharynx is important because it houses the openings of the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure in the middle ear. The nasopharynx is also lined with ciliated epithelium, which plays a role in filtering and humidifying the air that enters the respiratory tract.

The other parts of the pharynx have different locations and functions. The oropharynx is situated behind the oral cavity and plays a role in both the respiratory and digestive systems. The laryngopharynx, located inferior to the oropharynx, connects to the larynx and esophagus. The hypopharynx is often used interchangeably with the laryngopharynx, referring to the lower part of the pharynx. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how the anatomy of the pharynx relates to its various functions in the body.