About the Throat

Articles about throat anatomy, function and general health maintenance. Topics include voice production, adenoids, preventing problems and managing common issues like blockages.

Anatomy of the Throat

Your throat handles breathing, swallowing and speech using the larynx, pharynx, and other connected structures.

Keeping Your Throat Healthy

Simple steps to protect your throat from damage and keep it healthy through daily care and preventive habits.

Managing a Blockage of the Throat

A throat blockage is life-threatening, so here's how to help a choking adult or child before emergency services arrive.

Preventing Throat Problems

Simple daily habits like avoiding smoke, drinking water, and eating well can help keep your throat healthy and prevent infections.

The Effects of Coughing on Your Throat

Persistent coughing can irritate and damage your throat, but simple steps like staying hydrated can help ease the pain.

The Function of the Throat

Your throat does more than you think—it digests food, controls saliva, aids speech and protects your airway.

What Do the Adenoids Do?

Adenoids trap bacteria and viruses as part of your immune system, growing larger in childhood before shrinking by your late teens.

What Is the Adam's Apple?

The Adam's apple is a lump of thyroid cartilage in your neck that protects your voice box and grows larger in men than women.

Your Voice and How It Works

Find out how your vocal cords work and why protecting them from strain and damage matters for your everyday communication.