What is Otolaryngology?

Otolaryngology is a medical specialty which is focused on the ears, nose, and throat.
It is also called otolaryngology-head and neck surgery because specialists are trained
in both medicine and surgery. An otolaryngologist is often called an ear, nose, and
throat doctor, or an ENT for short.

This medical specialty dates back to the 19th century, when doctors recognized that
the head and neck contained a series of interconnected systems. Doctors developed
techniques and tools for examining and treating problems of the head and neck,
eventually forming a medical specialty. According to the American Academy of
Otolaryngology, it is the oldest medical specialty in the United States.

Otolaryngologists differ from many physicians in that they are qualified to perform
many types of surgery on the delicate and complex tissues of the head and neck.

What do otolaryngologists treat?

 Ear: Otolaryngologists are trained in the medical and surgical treatment of
hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain,
and facial and cranial nerve disorders. They also manage congenital (birth)
disorders of the outer and inner ear.
 Nose: Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of
otolaryngologists. Otolaryngologists diagnose, manage and treat allergies,
sinusitis, smell disorders, polyps, and nasal obstruction due to a deviated
septum. They can also correct the appearance of the nose (rhinoplasty
surgery).
 Throat: Otolaryngologists have expertise in managing diseases of the larynx
(voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice
and swallowing disorders.
 Head and Neck: In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to
treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors,
facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic
and reconstructive surgery.

Throat Anatomy and Physiology

What is the throat?
The throat (pharynx and larynx) is a ring-like muscular tube that acts as the
passageway for air, food and liquid. It is located behind the nose and mouth
and connects the mouth (oral cavity) and nose to the breathing passages
(trachea [windpipe] and lungs) and the esophagus (eating tube). The throat
also helps in forming speech.

The throat contains the:

 Tonsils and adenoids — made up of lymph tissue. Tonsils are located

at the back and sides of the mouth and adenoids are located behind the
nose. They both help to fight infections. Removal of tonsils and
adenoids, when necessary, will not reduce your child's ability to fight
infections since there are many other tissues to perform that function.
  Pharynx — is the muscle-lined space that connects the nose and mouth
to the larynx and esophagus (eating tube).
 Larynx — also known as the voice box, the larynx is a cylindrical
grouping of cartilages, muscles and soft tissue that contains the vocal
cords. The larynx is the upper opening into the windpipe (trachea), the
passageway to the lungs.
o Epiglottis — a flap of soft tissue and cartilage located just above
the vocal cords. The epiglottis folds down over the vocal cords to
help prevent food and irritants from entering the lungs.
o Subglottic space — the space immediately below the vocal
cords. It is the narrowest part of the upper airway

Pharynx (Throat)
The pharynx, usually called the throat, is part of the respiratory system and digestive
system. It carries air, food and fluid down from the nose and mouth. The pharynx is the
site of common illnesses, including sore throat and tonsillitis.

What is the pharynx?

The pharynx, commonly called the throat, is a muscular, funnel-shaped passageway inside
the body. It connects the mouth and nose to the esophagus (leading to the stomach) and
larynx (leading to the trachea and then lungs).

Where is the pharynx?

The pharynx is in the middle of the neck. It starts at the bottom of the skull and is about 4.5
inches long.

FUNCTION
What does the pharynx do?

The pharynx has several important jobs. It:

 Carries air to the respiratory system.

 Delivers food and liquid to the digestive system.
 Pushes food into the esophagus so it’s not breathed in.
 Equalizes pressure in the ears and drains fluid from the ears.

ANATOMY
What are the parts of the pharynx?

The pharynx anatomy includes:

 Nasopharynx: The top part of the throat connects to the nasal cavities (nose) and lets air
pass through.
 Oropharynx: The middle part of the throat connects to the oral cavity (mouth). It allows air,
food and fluid to pass through.
 Laryngopharynx (or hypopharynx): The bottom part of the throat is near the larynx (or voice
box). It regulates the passage of air to the lungs and food and fluid to the esophagus.

The pharynx also contains:

 Tonsils: There are three sets of tonsils. They are located at the back of the throat and base of
the tongue. Tonsils are the body’s first defense against infection.
 Auditory (eustachian) tubes: These two tubes connect the ears to the throat. They equalize
pressure and help drain fluid.

CONDITIONS AND DISORDERS

What conditions and disorders can affect pharynx function?

The pharynx can be affected by certain health conditions. The most common are:

 Cancer: Types of throat cancer include nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal

cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer.
 Dysphagia: Dysphagia is trouble swallowing because of muscle weakness, nerve damage or
disease.
 Infections: Bacterial and viral infections can cause pain and inflammation in the throat (for
example, the common cold, flu, strep throat and mononucleosis).
 Inflammation in the auditory tubes: This can cause earaches and trouble hearing.
 Pharyngitis: Otherwise known as a sore throat, pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx.
 Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that may be caused by abnormalities in the
pharynx.
 Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an infection in the tonsils.

CARE
How can I keep my throat healthy?

Some strategies can help protect your pharynx, including:

 Avoid extreme temperatures, like very cold or hot drinks or food.

 Avoid smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke.
 Don’t share items that can spread oral germs and lead to infection (for example, a
toothbrush).
 Drink lots of water.
 Use a humidifier, especially in winter or in dry climates.
How can I soothe a sore throat?

 Gargle with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup of warm water).
 Take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as NSAIDs.
 Suck on a popsicle or lozenge.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I call a healthcare provider about throat problems?

If you have symptoms that don’t go away or keep coming back, you should talk to a
healthcare provider. They include:

 Ear pain.
 Fever higher than 103°F, which could be a sign of infection.
 Lump in the neck or throat.
 Sore throat that doesn’t go away after a few days.
 Trouble swallowing.
 Weakness or stiffness in the neck.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat
care).

A note from Cleveland Clinic

The pharynx, or throat, is a passageway for air, food and liquid. If you have a sore throat,
some home remedies may help. But call a healthcare provider if you have signs of infection
or symptoms that won’t go away.