Laryngopharynx

Looks like

The lowest part of the throat, behind the voice box, leading into the oesophagus.

What it does

Directs food into the oesophagus around the airway.

Keeping it well

Smoking and alcohol cause cancer here; persistent trouble swallowing or pain radiating to the ear needs examination.

Related conditions

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Common cold
• Diphtheria
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Influenza
• Lichen planus
• Mouth ulcers (aphthous stomatitis)
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Pemphigus vulgaris
• Scarlet fever
• Stevens–Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis