Nasal part of pharynx

The nasal part of the pharynx (or the nasopharynx) is the portion of the pharynx dorsal to the soft palate, that extends from the choanae of the nasal cavity rostrally to the intrapharyngeal opening of the pharynx (and the rostral pharyngeal constrictor muscle) caudally. It is bounded dorsally by the basisphenoid bone, laterally by the pterygoid bone and ventrally by the soft palate.

Although it belongs to the pharynx (i.e. to the digestive system), on a functional point of view, the nasal part of the pharynx belongs to the respiratory system.

The nasal part of the pharynx includes structures such as:

• Pharyngeal tonsil

• Pharyngeal opening of auditory tube

• Torus tubarius

• Pharyngeal diverticle