The laryngopharynx
the laryngopharynx
There's the mouth, the pharynx, the larynx (voice box), the trachea, and the esophagus (for food).
The average anatomical distance between the trachea and the esophagus varies depending on the level in the neck and thorax, but generally, they are separated by a small space of about 1 to 2 centimeters. This distance can be influenced by individual anatomy and age. In the cervical region, they are closely positioned, while in the thoracic region, the distance may increase slightly due to surrounding structures.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tubular structure located in the neck and upper chest region. It extends from the larynx, below the voice box, and runs down to the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra, where it bifurcates into the left and right bronchi that lead into the lungs. The trachea is situated anterior to the esophagus and is part of the respiratory system, allowing air to flow to and from the lungs.
The trachea itself is made of ligaments and cartilage, but there are muscles in the region around the trachea.
The laryngeal pharynx, also known as the laryngopharynx, is located behind the larynx (voice box) and extends from the level of the hyoid bone to the esophagus. It serves as a passageway for both air and food, connecting the oral cavity and nasal passages to the esophagus and trachea. This region is crucial for both respiration and digestion.
The throat region is commonly referred to as the "cervical" area, which encompasses the neck. More specifically, the front part of the throat is known as the "pharynx," while the lower part leading to the esophagus and trachea is called the "larynx." These structures play vital roles in breathing, swallowing, and vocalization.
The area above the pericardial cavity is called the mediastinum. It is the region in the thoracic cavity that lies between the lungs and contains the heart, great vessels, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and other structures.
Mediastinum codes are identified by the structures they contain, such as the heart, pericardium, trachea, esophagus, thymus, and blood vessels. These structures help determine the specific region of the mediastinum being referred to in medical coding.
The medical term for the region between the lungs in the chest cavity is "mediastinum." This area contains the heart, major blood vessels, esophagus, trachea, and other vital structures. Any abnormalities or diseases affecting the mediastinum can have significant health implications.
throat or pharynx
The trachea runs from the throat (in the the head) down the neck to the lungs (chest). It is the firm tube you can feel in the midline of your neck.