Nose, mouth and throat. Artwork of a human face in profile showing detail of the mouth, nose and throat. Leading back from the nose (upper left) is the nasal cavity, an air passage which connects with the top of the throat (pharynx). The throat (running to the bottom right corner) transports food to the oesophagus. Left of the throat is the windpipe (trachea) which takes air to the lungs. Above the windpipe is the voice-box or larynx (oval) which contains the vocal cords. The floor of the nasal cavity and the roof of the mouth (at upper centre) is formed by the hard (holey appearance) and the soft (dark, smooth) palate.