Throat

PublishedMay 9, 2025

The neck is an important body part that connects the head to the torso and contains several vital structures such as the airways, esophagus, blood vessels and nerves.

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Contents

Quick version

The throat is a complex and important structure for breathing, swallowing, speech and protection of central body functions.

Contains airways and digestive tracts as well as blood vessels and nerves
Has immune function through lymph nodes and tonsils
Pain is often caused by infections or muscle tension
Examined by palpation, mirroring and imaging
Common diagnoses include tonsillitis, laryngitis and nodules

What is the throat?

The throat is the area between the head and the chest. It contains the trachea, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, tonsils, large blood vessels, and nerves such as the vagus nerve. The throat is also home to important lymph nodes and protective muscles.

Anatomy and structure

The throat consists of several layers: skin, muscles, blood vessels, airways, esophagus, and spine. The larynx and pharynx are central to breathing and voice. The carotid artery and jugular vein run in front of it.

Functions and systems

The throat serves as a passage for air to the lungs and food to the stomach. It protects nerves and blood vessels, enables voice production and is an important part of the immune system via the tonsils and lymph nodes.

Muscles and movements

The neck muscles control the movements of the head and help when you swallow and speak. The most important neck muscles are the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius. The muscles are easily affected by tension during stress or incorrect posture.

Common conditions and diseases

Throat pain can be due to infections (e.g. throat flu), muscle tension, swollen lymph nodes or problems with the thyroid gland such as hypothyroidism. Other causes may include tumors, laryngitis, or throat irritation.

Examination and diagnosis

Doctors visually inspect the throat, feel for lymph nodes, and may use mirrors or endoscopes to view the throat and vocal cords. If necessary, samples are taken or imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT or MRI of the throat are performed.

Relevant symptoms

Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Lump in the throat

Related conditions and diagnoses

Fluffy throat (tonsillitis)
Laryngitis
Mononucleosis
Thyroid diseases
Tense neck muscles

Written by: The team at Testmottagningen.se

Reviewed by:Hannah Krantz, leg. läkare

Questions and answers

The throat contains the trachea, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, tonsils, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. It is central to breathing, speech, swallowing, and blood circulation to the brain.

A sore throat is most often caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as a cold or strep throat. Mucosal irritation, smoking, or overstrained vocal cords can also contribute to symptoms.

Tonsillitis is a bacterial infection of the tonsils with fever and severe sore throat. A cold is a viral infection that causes milder sore throat, runny nose and cough.

Swollen lymph nodes often indicate that the body is fighting an infection. Swollen lymph nodes are common with viral and bacterial infections, but in rare cases can be due to other conditions.

Viral infections will go away on their own, while bacterial infections like strep throat may require antibiotics. Pain relief, rest, and fluids are recommended in both cases.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx that often causes both hoarseness and a dry cough. Laryngitis is usually caused by a viral infection or overexertion of the voice.

Yes, tense neck muscles due to stress or incorrect posture can cause a feeling of a lump in the throat, pain or difficulty swallowing, without any infection being present.

In case of severe pain, high fever, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems or if a sore throat does not go away within a week, you should contact healthcare for assessment.

The tonsils are part of the immune system. They help fight infections by capturing and reacting to bacteria and viruses in the mouth and throat.

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