Dismiss Modal

Definition

Parts of the Throat and Neck

Choose a preferred language

Hard palate. This separates the nose from the mouth.

Soft palate. The back of the roof of the mouth.

Epiglottis. This keeps food and liquids out of the trachea when you swallow.

Larynx (voice box). This makes sound used for speaking.

Eustachian tube. The tube that connects the throat to the ear.

Nasopharynx. The area at the top of the throat behind the nose.

Oropharynx. The area at the middle of the throat behind the mouth.

Hypopharynx. The area at the lower part of the throat.

Esophagus. The tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.

Trachea. The tube that carries air between the throat and the lungs.

Lymph nodes. Bean-shaped organs that help the body fight infections.

Side view of head showing mouth and throat anatomy.Three-quarter view of woman's head showing lymph nodes in neck.

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location
Related Articles
Read article
Ear, Nose, and Throat
The Middle Ear

The middle ear is an air-filled chamber that lies behind the eardrum. Pressure in the middle ear changes to match air pressure outside of the eardrum. When inside and outside pressures are balanced, the eardrum is flexible and normal hearing is more likely. Problems happen when air pressure in the middle ear drops. This is often due to a block in the eustachian (u-STA-shun) tube, the narrow channel connecting the ear with the back of the throat.

Read article
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Anatomy of the Ear

This helpful article and diagram explain how all the parts of the ear work together.

Read article
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Anatomy of the Inner Ear

A helpful guide to the inner ear, complete with a diagram.

Read article
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Audiology

Audiologists address hearing and balance problems in people of all ages. They also help with the fitting and management of hearing aids.