Question: what is the role of the pharynx in the digestive system

title: Pharynx
text: The laryngopharynx , ( Latin : pars laryngea pharyngis ) , also known as hypopharynx , is the caudal part of pharynx ; it is the part of the throat that connects to the esophagus . It lies inferior to the epiglottis and extends to the location where this common pathway diverges into the respiratory ( larynx ) and digestive ( esophagus ) pathways . At that point , the laryngopharynx is continuous with the esophagus posteriorly . The esophagus conducts food and fluids to the stomach ; air enters the larynx anteriorly . During swallowing , food has the `` right of way '' , and air passage temporarily stops . Corresponding roughly to the area located between the 4th and 6th cervical vertebrae , the superior boundary of the laryngopharynx is at the level of the hyoid bone . The laryngopharynx includes three major sites : the pyriform sinus , postcricoid area , and the posterior pharyngeal wall . Like the oropharynx above it , the laryngopharynx serves as a passageway for food and air and is lined with a stratified squamous epithelium . It is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus . 

Answer: answer: The pharynx is a part of the throat that connects to the esophagus.  It extends to the location where this common pathway diverges into the respiratory (larynx) and digestive (esophagus) pathways.