Nasopharynx- communicates with nasal cavity provides passage for breathing.

Oropharynx- posterior to the soft palate and inferior to nasopharynx. Passage for food moving downward from the mouth and air moving to and from the nasal cavity.

Laryngopharynx- inferior to oropharynx, passage to esophagus.

Swallowing Mechanism

1) food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Then tongue rolls into a mixture or bolus and down to the oropharynx.

2) stimulates sensory receptors around pharyngeal opening. Triggers swallowing reflex.

3) peristalsis transports food into esophagus.