<BGSOUND src="pharynx.wav"> pharynx

pharynx

noun

Part of the alimentary canal between mouth and esophagus, or the oral cavity posterior to the mouth if it is distinguished; part of the throat into which the gill slits open. Tubular section of digestive system extending from mouth. In Cnidarians, the pharynx extends into the gastrovascular cavity; may be attached to column by septa and typically bears one or two flagellated grooves.