Anatomy of the throat

The throat is the anterior part of the neck, which consists of the pharynx and larynx. It carries food to the oesophagus and air to the windpipe (trachea).

Throat disorders

Strep Throat

This is a type of pharyngitis caused by a group A streptococcal infection. It affects the pharynx and also the larynx. It is more common in children than in adults and its symptoms include fever, a sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes.

Tonsillitis

This is the inflammation of the tonsils, caused by an infection. The symptoms are fever and sore throat. The majority of people recover completely within a week.

Pharyngitis

This is an inflammation of the throat which can be quite painful. It can be acute or chronic and may results in enlarged tonsils. The symptoms are principally a sore throat and possibly a cough or fever.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is the inflammation fo the voice box. It results in a hoarse voice or even the temporary loss of voice. It is usually accompanied by throat pain. 

Epiglottitis

The epiglottis is the flap, which separates the esophagus from the trachea. This disorder refers to the inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Head and Neck cancers

These type of cancers occur in the head or neck region (in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or larynx).