The throat is a ring-like muscular tube that extends from the back of the nasal cavity downward to the trachea (windpipe) and the esophagus (alimentary canal). The throat acts as the passageway for air, food, and liquid, and also helps in forming speech. The throat consists of the larynx, epiglottis, tonsils, and adenoids. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a grouping of cartilage, muscles, and soft tissue which contains the vocal cords. The vocal cords are the upper opening into the trachea, the passageway to the lungs. A flap of soft tissue, the epiglottis, is located just above the vocal cords. The epiglottis folds down over the vocal cords to prevent food and irritants from entering the lungs. The tonsils and adenoids are made up of lymph tissue and are located at the back and the sides of the mouth. While they protect against infection, they generally serve little purpose beyond childhood. The throat is the site of numerous troublesome infections which can affect the health of the entire body.

Common Throat Ailments
• Acute Tonsillitis
• Burning Mouth Syndrome
• Chronic Laryngitis
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Pharyngitis
• Sleep Apnea
• Snoring

If you are concerned about the health of your throat or related issues, please contact Coast Plaza ENT Center at (562) 868-3751, extension 2078.

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The Facts

The Ear
The Nose