How Do You Spell HYPOPHARYNX?

Pronunciation: [hˌa͡ɪpə͡ʊfˈɑːɹɪŋks] (IPA)

The word "hypopharynx" is spelled with the prefix "hypo-" meaning "below" or "under", and the word "pharynx" which refers to the part of the throat that is behind the mouth and nasal cavity. The phonetic transcription of "hypopharynx" is /haɪ.pəʊˈfær.ɪŋks/, where the stressed syllables are "hy" and "ryn" and the "ph" is pronounced as an "f" sound. This spelling follows common English patterns in which the "y" often represents the "i" sound and the "x" at the end of a word usually represents "ks".

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
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HYPOPHARYNX Meaning and Definition

  1. The hypopharynx, also known as the laryngopharynx, is a part of the human anatomy located in the neck region. It is the lowest portion of the pharynx, the muscular tube that connects the mouth and nasal cavity to the esophagus and larynx. The hypopharynx sits behind and below the larynx, extending from the base of the tongue to the level of the cricoid cartilage, which is the lowest ring of the larynx.

    Functionally, the hypopharynx serves as a passageway for both food and air. During swallowing, it plays a crucial role in directing food into the esophagus and preventing it from entering the airway. The opening of the hypopharynx is guarded by the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that covers the entrance to the larynx to prevent choking. The hypopharynx is also involved in the production of sound as air passes through the larynx, contributing to phonation and speech.

    The hypopharynx is lined with a mucous membrane that helps to moisten and protect its walls. Numerous glands within this lining produce mucus, which aids in lubrication and further protection. The walls of the hypopharynx are made up of muscles, including the pharyngeal constrictors, which aid in the process of swallowing by contracting to push food downward into the esophagus.

    Disorders or abnormalities in the hypopharynx can lead to swallowing difficulties, voice changes, and potential airway obstructions. Conditions such as cancers, infections, or structural abnormalities may affect the normal functioning of the hypopharynx, requiring medical intervention or treatment.

  2. That part of the pharynx which lies below the aperture of the larynx.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for HYPOPHARYNX

Etymology of HYPOPHARYNX

The word "hypopharynx" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "hypo" meaning "under" or "below" and "pharynx" meaning "throat". In medical terminology, the pharynx refers to the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, while the prefix "hypo-" in this context denotes the location of the hypopharynx, which is the lower part of the pharynx.

Plural form of HYPOPHARYNX is HYPOPHARYNGES

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Correct spelling for Hypopharynx
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