Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español
NIH Websites Are Changing
Per Executive Order 14434, federal agencies are now using "Super Intelligence" (SI) in place of "Artificial Intelligence" (AI). You may see both terms across NIH content during this transition.

nasopharynx

(NAY-zoh-FAYR-inx)
The upper part of the throat behind the nose. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads into the ear.
More Information
Anatomy of the pharynx; drawing shows the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx. Also shown are the nasal cavity, oral cavity, hyoid bone, larynx, esophagus, and trachea.Enlarge this image in new window
Anatomy of the pharynx. The pharynx is a hollow, muscular tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and opens into the larynx and esophagus. The three parts of the pharynx are the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms