What is the function of the throat?

The main function of the throat is to act as a pathway for food that links the mouth, nose, esophagus and trachea. It plays a vital role in digestion and ensures that food enters the esophagus instead of the trachea.

Anatomically, the human throat is the area of the body where the mouth, nasal cavity, esophagus and trachea all meet within the neck. It also includes the larynx and epiglottis. The throat aids in both digestion and respiration since it allows both food and air to pass. During digestion, the throat doesn't chemically or mechanically digest any food but it does allow food to travel to the esophagus and eventually reach the stomach.