View source for Throat

{{short description|Anterior part of the neck, in front of the vertebra}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox anatomy
| Name        = Throat 
| Latin       = [[:wikt:gula#Latin|gula]]<br />jugulum
| Image       = Throat_Diagram.png
| Caption     = The human throat
| Width       = 210
| Image2      = Medical X-Ray imaging EJE04 nevit.jpg
| Caption2    = X-ray showing the throat, seen as a dark band to the front of the spine
| Precursor   = 
| System      = 
| Artery      = 
| Vein        = 
| Nerve       = 
| Lymph       = 
}}
In [[vertebrate anatomy]], the '''throat''' is the front part of the [[neck]], internally positioned in front of the [[vertebra]]e. It contains the [[Human pharynx|pharynx]] and [[larynx]]. An important section of it is the [[epiglottis]], separating the [[esophagus]] from the [[trachea]] (windpipe), preventing food and drinks being inhaled into the [[lung]]s. The throat contains various [[blood vessel]]s, [[pharyngeal muscles]], the [[adenoid|nasopharyngeal tonsil]], the [[tonsil]]s, the [[palatine uvula]], the trachea, the [[esophagus]], and the [[vocal cords]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=pharynx {{!}} Definition, Location, Function, Structure, & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/science/pharynx|access-date=2020-09-01|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Larynx {{!}} anatomy|url=https://www.britannica.com/science/larynx|access-date=2020-09-01|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> [[Mammal]] throats consist of two [[bone]]s, the [[hyoid bone]] and the [[clavicle]]. The "throat" is sometimes thought to be synonymous for the [[Fauces (throat)|fauces]].<ref>{{DorlandsDict|eight/000108480|throat}}</ref>

It works with the mouth, [[ear]]s and [[nose]], as well as a number of other parts of the body. Its pharynx is connected to the mouth, allowing speech to occur, and food and liquid to pass down the throat. It is joined to the nose by the [[nasopharynx]] at the top of the throat, and to the ear by its [[Eustachian tube]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=eustachian tube {{!}} Definition, Anatomy, & Function|url=https://www.britannica.com/science/eustachian-tube|access-date=2020-09-01|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> The throat's trachea carries inhaled air to the [[bronchi]] of the lungs. The esophagus carries food through the throat to the [[stomach]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Esophagus {{!}} anatomy|url=https://www.britannica.com/science/esophagus|access-date=2020-09-01|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> [[Adenoid]]s and tonsils help prevent infection and are composed of lymph tissue. The larynx contains vocal cords, the epiglottis (preventing food/liquid inhalation), and an area known as the subglottic larynx, in children it is the narrowest section of the upper part of the throat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/throat-anatomy-and-physiology#.VcTciyZViko|title=Throat anatomy and physiology|date=5 May 2014 |publisher=Children's Hospital of Philadelphia|access-date=7 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=2020-02-19|title=Laryngeal Stenosis: Background, Problem, Epidemiology|url=https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/867177-overview#:~:text=Relevant%20Anatomy,-The%20normal%20subglottic&text=in%20premature%20neonates.-,A%20subglottic%20diameter%20of%204%20mm%20or%20less%20in%20a,to%20injury%20from%20endotracheal%20intubation.}}</ref>

{{anchor|jugulum}}
The ''jugulum'' is a low part of the throat, located slightly above the breast.<ref>[http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Jugulum Farlex dictionary], citing: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by C. & G. Merriam Co.</ref> The term ''jugulum'' is reflected both by the internal and external [[jugular vein]]s, which pass through the ''jugulum''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==See also==
{{wiktionary}}
{{wiktionary|jugular}}
*[[Strep throat]]
*[[Tonsilloliths]]
*[[Tracheotomy]]

{{Human regional anatomy}}
{{Mouth anatomy}}

[[Category:Human throat| ]]
[[Category:Human head and neck]]
[[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]]