Difference Between Pharynx And Larynx: Overview, Definition & Divisions

Difference between Pharynx and Larynx: Comparison Table

The pharynx and larynx are two important structures of the human throat. The pharynx acts as a muscular passage for both food and air, while the larynx functions as the voice box and protects the airway. Together, they play a necessary role in respiration, digestion, and sound production. Some of the major difference between the pharynx and the Larynx is discussed below:

What is the Pharynx?

Sites of the pharynx are the muscle tubes within the body and serve the respiratory and digestive systems it extends from the skull base to the oesophagus and is further divisible into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Parts of the Pharynx

The pharynx lies just posterior to the nasal and oral cavities. It is a region of the throat that connects the nasal cavity and the mouth to the larynx and oesophagus. The pharynx can be divided into three regions:

Nasopharynx

• The superior region of the pharynx

• Associated with the nasal cavity

Oropharynx

• The middle region of the pharynx

• Associated with the mouth

Laryngopharynx

• The inferior region of the pharynx

• Connects to the larynx and oesophagus

What Is the Larynx?

The larynx is commonly known as the voice box. It is located inferior to the pharynx. The larynx plays an important role in phonation, air passage, and protecting the lower airways. The main structures of the larynx include the thyroid cartilage, the cricoid cartilage, the epiglottis, and the vocal cords.

Structure of the Larynx

The larynx is located just inferior to the pharynx and anterior to the oesophagus. The larynx is constructed of

Thyroid cartilage

• This is the largest cartilage

• It is commonly referred to as the Adam's apple.

Cricoid cartilage

• Ring-like cartilage

• Inferior to the thyroid cartilage

Epiglottis

• A flap that closes over the trachea when swallowing

Vocal cords

• Folds of tissue that produce sound.

Pharynx and Larynx Functional Summary

The functional summary of the pharynx and larynx includes:

Pharynx

• Assists in swallowing (deglutition)

• Conducts air to the larynx

• Provides immune defence via the tonsils

Larynx

• Produces sound

• Prevents food entry into trachea

• Maintains an open airway for breathing

Pharynx vs Larynx NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Anatomy of the pharynx and larynx

• Pharynx vs Larynx

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. The nasopharynx is involved in

1. Breathing and speech

2. Breathing and digestion

3. Digestion and speech

4. Digestive process

Correct answer: 1) Breathing and speech

Explanation:

The nasopharynx is the superior subdivision. It lies superior to the soft palate and ends at the uvula. It is involved only in breathing and speech. It communicates laterally with the middle ear through the eustachian tube.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Breathing and speech.

Q2. Which of the following structures prevents the entry of food particles into the trachea during swallowing?

1. Glottis

2. Uvula

3. Epiglottis

4. Both a & c

Correct answer: 3) Epiglottis

Explanation:

The Glottis is the opening of the pharynx into the trachea and is always open during the process of respiration. The uvula is a soft muscular structure preventing the entry of food into the nasal cavity during swallowing. The Glottis is covered by a flap-like structure called epiglottis which helps prevent the food particles from moving into the trachea during swallowing instead of the food pipe.

Hence the correct answer is option 3) Epiglottis.

Q3. Larynx consists of ________ cartilage.

1. 6

2. 3

3. 1

4. 9

Correct answer: 4) 9

Explanation:

The larynx, commonly known as the "sound box," plays a crucial role in the respiratory system as it is responsible for producing sound for speech. It is made up of nine cartilages, which include three unpaired and three paired cartilages. The unpaired cartilages consist of the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and epiglottis. The paired cartilages include the arytenoid, corniculate, and cuneiform cartilages.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) 9.