The |pharynx| is the upper portion of the airway and the digestive tract. It connects with openings into four general areas: the |mouth| cavity (at the back of the |tongue|), the |nasal cavity|, the |larynx| (which leads to the |trachea|), and the |esophagus|. In swallowing, the nasal part of the |pharynx|, the |larynx|, and the |mouth| cavity cooperate to shut off the airway so that the swallowed food isn't taken into the |trachea|.
