Answer:
The pharynx is a very important anatomical part of the human body because it is the common roadway for both food and fluids, and also for air. Because of this, and the importance that air and food do not go to the same place, mainly the lungs, the pharynx has a structure of skeletal and smooth muscle, as well as accessory anatomical features that will enable it to work as it should. Also, another anatomical structure derives from the pharynx, with the intention of becoming the tube for air passage; the larynx.
Putting the passage of food aside, and bearing in mind that the pharynx is the first airway, or upper airway, passage, continued lower down by the laryn, the answer to the question above would be thus:
Place the components of the pharynx in the order in which air flows through them during inspirations:
1. Nasopharinx: This structure is the one that is attached to the nasal cavity and it is separated from the mouth, or oral cavity by the soft palate. It is here that air passage begins as it descends towards the lungs.
2. Oropharinx: this is the part of the pharynx where both air and foodstuffs can mix. However, it is also important for air passage and it is the next step towards the lungs.
3. Laringopharynx: this is the structure where the pharynx gives rise to the laringeal tract, which will be the one that connects pharynx with trachea. the Laringopharynx has structures that will close whenever food is passing, so that nothing, except air, can enter the airways. And it will remain open for air passage to the larynx.
