Question

the nurse is tracing the digestive pathway for a group of nursing students. the nurse educator is reviewing the major organs of the gastrointestinal tract and the function of each. based on the information provided, what is the response by the student nurse of the function of the pharynx of the gastrointestinal tract?

Answer 1

The pharynx plays a role in both respiration and digestion. It allows food to pass from the oral cavity to the esophagus and prevents it from entering the larynx.

Step-by-step explanation:

Besides the esophagus, organs of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract include the mouth, pharynx, and stomach. The pharynx plays a dual role as an organ of both respiration and digestion. As part of the digestive system, it allows swallowed food to pass from the oral cavity to the esophagus.

During swallowing, the backward motion of the tongue causes a flap of elastic cartilage, called the epiglottis, to close over the opening to the larynx, preventing food or drinks from entering the larynx (autonomic nervous system provides extrinsic innervation).