Nasopharynx
Region of the pharynx at the back of the nose and above the soft palate
The nasopharynx is a part of the respiratory system located at the back of the nasal cavity, above the soft palate. It is the uppermost part of the pharynx, which links the nose to the throat and the mouth. The nasopharynx serves as the entrance for composed air and a site for fluctuating pressure, which assists in the equalization of pressure in the middle ear. It also plays a role in immune defense as it contains a cluster of lymphoid tissue known as the pharyngeal tonsil or adenoids. These adenoids help in trapping and filtering out inhaled particles like bacteria and viruses, which helps in preventing infections. The nasopharynx is also an important site for the growth of certain types of cancers, particularly nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus, genetic factors, and environmental exposures.
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