Anatomy of the Head and Neck

Author: Allyson Van Horn, MPH
Last Reviewed: January 28, 2026

The images below can help your provider point out where your cancer is and how treatments (like surgery and radiation) will work. Areas that can be affected by head and neck cancers are shown.

This image shows the anatomy of the head and neck, such as the pharynx, nasal cavity, tongue, lips, salivary glands, vocal cords, and thyroid.
This image shows the anatomy of the head and neck, such as tonsils, parts of the pharynx, nasal cavity, oral cavity, and tongue.
This image shows the anatomy of the head and neck, such as parts of the larynx, tongue, epiglottis, vocal cords, thyroid and cricoid cartilage, esophagus, and trachea.
This image shows the anatomy of the mouth, such as the upper lip, hard palate, soft palate, tonsils, uvula, and lower lip.
This image shows the anatomy of the head and neck, such as the frontal and sphenoid sinuses, esophagus, and trachea.
This image shows the anatomy of the head, such as the frontal, ethmoidal, and maxillary sinuses.