Nasopharynx (Medical Definition) | Quick Explainer Video

The nasopharynx is a part of the upper respiratory tract located behind the nose and above the soft palate. It serves as a passageway for air to travel from the nasal cavity to the throat and eventually to the lungs. The nasopharynx also plays a role in producing mucus to help moisten and protect the respiratory tract. It is also a site where the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure in the middle ear, open into the throat. Infections and inflammation in the nasopharynx can lead to symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Proper care and treatment of the nasopharynx are important for maintaining respiratory health.