The Function of the Throat

Often underestimated by the public, the throat is a delicate system that serves many purposes.Not only does it form part of the digestive system, it helps control salivary build-up, aids speech and protects the airway from obstructions and serves as a passage for excess mucous.

The anatomy of the throat includes the pharynx, the larynx, some of the trachea and the upper part of the oesophagus; these parts all have their own function but combine to make the throat.

How Do We Swallow?

Swallowing actually begins before we put food or drink into our mouths. The anticipation and expectancy of receiving food causes our salivary glands to produce more saliva. This is vital in breaking down food so that it is small enough to fit down the throat and also acts as the first stage of the digestive process.

When we eat, we chew the food into smaller and moister pieces, using our saliva, teeth and tongue, to begin breaking it down until we know it will fit down the small opening in the throat that will lead to the oesophagus and stomach. When the food is small enough the tongue accepts the food and pushes it towards the back of the mouth.

Many pairs of muscles work together to push the food down the throat via the pharynx which connects the back of the mouth with the top end of the oesophagus. Whilst this occurs, the larynx (vocal chords) closes to prevent any food or saliva from being passed into the airways which can lead to choking and other complications such as infection.

How Do We Talk?

When we talk, air is pushed through the larynx which is made up of vocal folds of tissue and ligaments that give us the ability to speak.

When air is pushed through the folds of skin they produce sounds by vibration. The volume and nature of the sound can be dependent on the rate at which the air is pushed through. The degree to which the folds (or chords) are stretched will also help to control the sounds and help us produce recognisable noises.

Why Do We Cough?

Coughing mainly occurs for two reasons. Firstly, coughing exists when our airways are irritated, whether this is from infection or irritants. We use the muscles and components of our throat to allow uncontrolled air out of our body and also when we need to expel mucous that might have built up a as consequence of the infection or irritation.

Secondly, we cough when we swallow something and our airway hasn’t fully closed. The larynx should close and prevent food and fluid from entering the airways and lungs, but occasionally small fragments can find their way through which causes us to cough. The coughing action thrusts short sharp bursts of air through the larynx aiming to remove the blockage or irritant.

The throat is a complex anatomical collection and has three main functions. The main one is to allow us to swallow food and fluid, the others are to allow us to talk and give us the ability to cough.It can become damaged very easily which can affect any or all or these functions.