The normal pharynx is the passageway for breathing and digestion. It is divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx. 1. Nasopharynx is located at the back of the nasal cavity, communicating with the nasal cavity in front and with the oropharynx below. The pterygoid body is the roof and the soft palate is the bottom. Adenoids are distributed in the posterior wall of the roof. It is larger in childhood and gradually shrinks. There are openings for the Eustachian tubes on both walls of the nasopharynx. 2. The oropharynx is between the soft palate and the upper edge of the epiglottis. It is preceded by the isthmus of the pharynx. The isthmus separates the oral cavity from the oropharynx. Another important structure is the tonsil. It is the largest lymphatic tissue in the pharynx. This area is particularly susceptible to inflammation. 3. The laryngopharynx, which interfaces with the pharynx above and the esophagus below. The pyriform fossa and the epiglottic valley are located in this part, and small foreign bodies tend to get stuck there. The laryngopharynx has the functions of swallowing, respiration, defense, speech formation, and regulation of air pressure in the middle ear.