The throat runs from the back of the mouth to the top of the respiratory and digestive tracts and has three main parts - the tonsils, pharynx and larynx. You could think of it as the main highway for air, dust and food but with a filter lane for any bacteria, viruses and other irritants that may have got on the road. The throat is designed to capture all of these irritants and filter them out before they can cause further havoc.
This process can result in an inflamed throat or throat infection. Sore throats are common, especially in children and teenagers, largely because young people have not built up their immunity (resistance) against many of the viruses and bacteria that can cause sore throats.