Noun
The part of the alimentary canal between the cavity of the mouth and the esophagus. It has one or two external openings through the nose in the higher vertebrates, and lateral branchial openings in fishes and some amphibias.
Source: Webster's dictionaryRemember that the pharynx is at a crossroads from which leads off, at the top, the passage to the mouth cavity and the passage to the nasal cavity, and below, the passage to the larynx. Roman Jakobson
An esophagus follows and leads to the posterior of the pharynx and in some species forms a form of crop. Source: Internet
A set of "valve cells" connects the pharynx to the intestine, but how this valve operates is not understood. Source: Internet
After inhaling, air flows past the back of the throat, or pharynx. Source: Internet
Elevation of the pharynx widens it to receive food and drink; elevation of the larynx causes the epiglottis to move down and form a lid over the glottis, closing it off. Source: Internet
In addition, placing objects in the pharynx usually triggers a gag reflex that stops voicing and closes the larynx. Source: Internet