Which part of the pharynx is the first section encountered by inhaled air?

The nasopharynx is the first section encountered by inhaled air. This is the uppermost part of the pharynx, located behind the nasal cavity. When a person inhales, air moves through the nostrils, passes through the nasal passages, and enters the nasopharynx before continuing further down the respiratory tract.

Understanding the anatomy of the pharynx is crucial because it provides a pathway for both air and food. The nasopharynx specifically serves as a conduit for air from the nasal cavity to reach the oropharynx and then the laryngopharynx, ultimately leading to the trachea and lungs. It also plays a role in equalizing pressure in the middle ear via the Eustachian tubes, which open into this area.

Other sections of the pharynx, such as the oropharynx and laryngopharynx, are involved in both respiratory and digestive functions but come after the nasopharynx in the airflow path. Thus, while they are essential to understand, they do not serve as the first contact point for inhaled air.