21.5 Pharynx The pharynx was described in detail in chapter 20. It consists of three parts: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. Normally, only the oropharynx and laryngopharynx transmit food. The orophar- ynx communicates with the nasopharynx superiorly, the larynx and laryngopharynx inferiorly, and the mouth anteriorly. The laryngophar ynx extends from the oropharynx to the esophagus and is posterior to