[The pharynx. The imaging of its normal anatomy].
BACKGROUND
The pharynx, being part of the digestive as well as the respiratory system, is embedded in the complex spatial anatomy of the neck and, due to its function and location, represents a very sophisticated region.


METHODS
Cross-sectional imaging with CT and MR imaging plays an indispensable complementary role to clinical work-up, as far as submucosal and deep cervical spaces are concerned. However, as dysphagia is a common symptom in clinical practice, interpretation of double contrast studies and videofluoroscopic investigations are also on frequent demand in the daily routine.


CONCLUSIONS
Close interdisciplinary co-operation and the radiologist's familiarity with the anatomy of the region are required in order to use the diagnostic tools in an optimal fashion.
Lomoschitz
F
F
Universitätsklinik für Radiodiagnostik, Wien. friedrich.lomoschitz@univie.ac.at
Schima
W
W
Schober
E
E
Pokieser
P
P
Youssefzadeh
S
S
Kainberger
F
F
Czerny
C
C
Imhof
H
H
D002933:Cineradiography; D003679:Deglutition; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010614:Pharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014741:Video Recording