Nasopharynx- Its Function to the Human Body
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Respiration is a vital process in the human body; supporting this complex yet amazing process are the structures such as the nasopharynx, lungs, and alveoli. Let us trace how this vital process begins, and how such structures help in achieving this life-giving process.
Nasopharynx: An Anatomical Overview
Nasopharynx Diagram
The pharynx or the throat is a funnel shaped structure that measures about 13 centimeters long. This structure begins from the back of the nose, down into the mouth, back of the esophagus, and the larynx (voice box). Because of its length and the different structures it traverses, it is divided into 3 parts: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx. The nasopharynx is the part located at the back of the nasal cavity and it extends until the soft palate of the mouth (the soft-arch-shaped structure at the back of the mouth). The soft palate creates a wall that separates the nasopharynx from the oropharynx, and within this wall are other 5 important openings: 2 internal nares, two openings that lead to the Eustachian tube (found in the ear) and an opening to the oropharynx. In episodes of colds, where mucus builds up in these structures, we often notice the neighboring structures are affected as well.
During colds, the ears or hearing is affected, internal nares are blocked causing difficulty of breathing, and some of the mucus is also swallowed (causing cough) since the nasopharynx leads to the oropharynx, an opening that leads further down to the throat.
Aside from openings, within the wall of the nasopharynx, the pharyngeal tonsil or adenoids are also located. Adenoids are masses of lymphoid tissues, which function to protect the body against harmful organisms. From the internal nares of the nose, the nasopharynx receives air; this air is packed with dust and other microorganisms that come with it.
The nasopharynx functions to remove the dust, microorganisms, and mucus that come with the air through the presence of cilia within its walls. Cilia are hairlike structures that help move smaller structures within the body. The cells in the nasopharynx are lined with cilia, and these help in moving the mucus down into the oropharynx and also help trap some of the minuscule dust and microorganisms that we inhale. The nasopharynx also facilitates the exchange of small amounts of air with the auditory tubes; this process equalizes pressure between the pharynx and the middle ear.
Injury and Disorders of the Nasopharynx
Conditions that may damage or affect the structure of the nasopharynx could have detrimental effects to people. Although the disease conditions that arise from the nasopharynx are rare, they could also be detrimental. Common
conditions that affect the nasopharyngeal area did not originate from the structure itself; it is an effect of an infection or inflammation in its neighboring structures such as the nose or the ears. Allergic rhinitis, colds and sinusitis can also cause the nasopharynx to inflame and be ridden with mucus. When this happens, cilia cannot move properly causing blockade of mucus on the area. Once this happens, the patient feels the classic symptom of difficulty of breathing. We may also recall that the nasopharynx facilitates the exchange of air between the pharynx and the middle ear. This is to allow an equalized pressure within the area, when this area is full of mucus, air exchange becomes difficult. And so the person experiences unequal pressure within the ears (this in turn affects hearing and orientation).
Infections or inflammations may also arise from the structure found within the nasopharynx. Adenitis, or the
inflammation of the adenoids located within the nasopharynx, can also happen. Inflammation of the adenoids can be life threatening as it can totally block the airways causing lack of oxygenation. Infections in the nasopharynx may also arise; viral infections such as cytomegalovirus can cause inflammation of the structure.
Malignancies can also arise from the nasopharyngeal area. This is by far the most common disease that afflicts the area. Nasopharyngeal cancer is characterized by a formation of a malignant tumor in the nasopharynx. Its location makes the disease quite deadly because it causes metastasis or spread of the cancer cells into other organs easily.
Encased within the nasopharynx are the adenoids, these are lymph structures that have networks connecting them to the blood stream and other parts of the body. The nasopharynx is a simple structure with a complex function, any condition that affects this function greatly affects our health as well.
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