The answer is A. pharynx. The pharynx is a cavity behind the nose and mouth which serves as a passageway for both air and food. The passage for air begins at the nose and nasal cavity while the passage for food begins at the mouth and mouth cavity. These two passages cross at the pharynx but separate soon after. Air passes through the larynx and later into the trachea and bronchus on its way to the lungs. Food passes through the esophagus on its way to the stomach.