pharynx , gen. pharyngis, pl. pharynges (faringks, f-rinjis, f-rinjz) [TA] The upper expanded portion of the digestive tube, between the esophagus below and the mouth and nasal cavities above and in front; it is distinct from the rest of the digestive tube in that it is composed exclusively of skeletal (voluntary) muscle arranged in outer circular and inner longitudinal layers. [Mod. L. fr. G. pharynx (pharyng-), the throat, the joint opening of the gullet and windpipe]