What part of the pharynx is located behind the nose?

The nasopharynx is the part of the pharynx that is situated directly behind the nasal cavity, making it the section that connects the nose to the throat. It plays an important role in the respiratory system by allowing air to flow from the nasal passages into the throat and subsequently into the lungs. The nasopharynx is also involved in the drainage of the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure in the ears.

The oropharynx, located behind the mouth, and the laryngopharynx, which is situated just above the larynx, do not correspond to the area behind the nose. The esophagus, on the other hand, is part of the digestive system and leads to the stomach, not related to the respiratory pathways of the pharynx. Thus, the nasopharynx is the specific term that accurately describes the region behind the nose.