To better understand throat cancer, it helps to understand the anatomy of the throat and larynx.

The back of throat is also referred to as the pharynx. More specifically, the pharynx is the back, upper part of the throat behind the tongue. It starts at the base of the tongue and ends at the larynx.

Anatomy examples:

• Normal pharynx in an adult
• Normal anatomy of pharynx
• Normal tongue

The larynx is part of the upper airway. It begins at the lower pharynx, and extends down to the trachea. From the outside, it is the area called the Adam's apple in the front of the neck.

The larynx consists of:

• Epiglottis
• Vocal cords
• Subglottic area
• Thyroid cartilage

Larynx examples:

• Rear view of larynx
• Top view of epiglottis with x-ray of enlarged epiglottis
• Normal pharynx in adult