Difference Between Pharynx And Larynx-Overview, Definition & Divisions

Difference Between Pharynx And Larynx: Overview, Definition & Divisions

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:33 PM IST

Understanding the difference between the pharynx and larynx, especially as associated with human anatomy, is vital to understanding other aspects of the respiratory and digestive systems. The following write-up makes it easier to understand the anatomy, functions, and importance of the two structures. This is one of the topics from the Digestion and Absorption chapter of Biology.

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Basics concept of Larynx and Pharynx
Anatomy of Larynx and Pharynx
Difference between Pharynx and Larynx

Difference Between Pharynx And Larynx: Overview, Definition & Divisions

Basics concept of Larynx and 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 such as; nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx.

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.

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Anatomy of Larynx and Pharynx

The anatomy of both pharynx and larynx has been discussed below:

Anatomy 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 that is associated with the nasal cavity
Oropharynx: The middle region of the pharynx that is associated with the mouth
Laryngopharynx: The inferior region of the pharynx that connects to the larynx and oesophagus

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Anatomy of the Pharynx

Anatomy 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, and it is commonly referred to as the Adam's apple.
Cricoid cartilage: Ring-like cartilage that is inferior to the thyroid cartilage
Epiglottis: A flap that closes over the trachea when swallowing
Vocal cords: Folds of tissue that produce sound.

Anatomy of the Larynx

Difference between Pharynx and Larynx

Some of the major difference between the pharynx and the Larynx is discussed below:

Characteristic	Pharynx	Larynx
Location	Present behind nasal and oral cavities	Present below pharynx, in front of the oesophagus \|
Structure	Made up of three parts that are nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx	Made up of thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, epiglottis, vocal cords
Function	Helps in swallowing, air passage, and immune function	Helps in air passage, voice production, protection

The pharynx and larynx are important structures in the human body, with rather different functions. At the same time, the pharynx generally performs a primary role during deglutition and as a defence of the body against infection, while the larynx primarily functions in voice production and the protection of airways.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the primary differences between the pharynx and larynx?

The pharynx serves both the respiratory and digestive systems, while the larynx is mainly engaged in the manufacture of voice, besides acting as a safeguard to the passage of air.

2. How does the pharynx contribute to the immune system?

The pharynx has pharyngeal recesses called the ones of luschka, which trap the pathogens and destroy them, thus serving the purpose of the body's immunity.

3. How does the pharynx contribute to the immune system?

The pharynx contains lymphoid tissue, including the tonsils and adenoids, which help trap and fight pathogens. Additionally, the mucus lining of the pharynx contains antibodies and immune cells that provide a first line of defense against infections.

4. What are the vocal cords, and where are they located?

The vocal folds are the vibratory tissues in the larynx.

5. What are some common disorders of the larynx?

Laryngitis, vocal cord nodules, and thyroid cancer or laryngeal cancer are common problems of the larynx.

6. Why is the epiglottis so important in the functioning of the larynx?

The epiglottis closes over the trachea during swallowing on the passage of food and liquids to keep any prototype from entering the airway.

7. How does the location of the pharynx and larynx differ in the human body?

The pharynx is located higher in the throat, extending from the back of the nose and mouth to the top of the esophagus. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is positioned lower in the neck, just below the pharynx and above the trachea.

8. What is the role of the hyoid bone in relation to the pharynx and larynx?

The hyoid bone, located between the chin and thyroid cartilage, provides attachment points for muscles of the pharynx and larynx. It plays a crucial role in swallowing, speech, and supporting the larynx.

9. What is the function of the cricoid cartilage in the larynx?

The cricoid cartilage forms a complete ring at the base of the larynx. It provides structural support, helps maintain the airway's patency, and serves as an attachment point for several laryngeal muscles and ligaments.

10. What is the difference between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the larynx?

Intrinsic muscles of the larynx are entirely within the larynx and control the movement and tension of the vocal folds. Extrinsic muscles connect the larynx to surrounding structures and are responsible for raising, lowering, and stabilizing the larynx's position.

11. What is the role of the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx?

The arytenoid cartilages are small, paired cartilages in the larynx that play a crucial role in voice production. They can rotate and slide, changing the position and tension of the vocal folds, thus altering the pitch and quality of the voice.

12. How does the pharynx contribute to resonance in speech and singing?

The pharynx acts as a resonating chamber, modifying the sound produced by the larynx. By changing its shape and volume, the pharynx can alter the timbre and quality of the voice, contributing to the unique sound of an individual's voice.

13. What is the role of the pharynx in the production of nasal sounds in speech?

For nasal sounds, the soft palate lowers, allowing air to flow through both the oral and nasal parts of the pharynx. This gives nasal sounds their characteristic resonance and distinguishes them from oral sounds.

14. How does the structure of the pharynx contribute to its role in both breathing and swallowing?

The pharynx's muscular walls can expand and contract, allowing it to function as an air passage during breathing. During swallowing, these same muscles contract sequentially to push food towards the esophagus, while the soft palate rises to close off the nasal passage.

15. How do the pharynx and larynx contribute to the production of voiced and voiceless sounds in speech?

For voiced sounds, the vocal folds in the laryn

16. What is the role of the pharynx in the production of non-verbal sounds like humming?

During humming, the pharynx acts as a resonating chamber, modifying the sound produced by the larynx. The closed mouth during humming causes more vibration in the pharynx, giving humming its characteristic sound.

17. How does the structure of the pharynx change during sleep, and what effect can this have?

During sleep, the muscles of the pharynx relax, which can cause the airway to narrow. In some individuals, this can lead to snoring or sleep apnea, where breathing is temporarily obstructed.

18. What is the difference between the pharyngeal reflex and the laryngeal reflex?

The pharyngeal reflex, or gag reflex, is triggered by stimulation of the pharynx and helps prevent choking. The laryngeal reflex, or cough reflex, is triggered by irritation of the larynx and helps clear the airway of foreign particles or mucus.

19. How do the pharynx and larynx work together in the production of coughing and sneezing?

During coughing and sneezing, the larynx closes briefly to build up pressure in the lungs. Then, it opens suddenly, allowing a forceful expulsion of air through the pharynx. This helps clear the airway of irritants or mucus.

20. What is the role of the pharynx in equalizing pressure in the middle ear?

The pharynx connects to the middle ear via the Eustachian tubes. When we swallow or yawn, the pharyngeal muscles contract, opening the Eustachian tubes and allowing air to enter or exit the middle ear, equalizing pressure with the external environment.

21. What is the function of the false vocal folds in the larynx?

The false vocal folds, also known as vestibular folds, are located above the true vocal folds. They help protect the true vocal folds, contribute to airway closure during swallowing, and can produce sound in some vocal techniques like throat singing.

22. What is the main difference in function between the pharynx and larynx?

The pharynx primarily serves as a passageway for both food and air, while the larynx is specifically involved in voice production and airway protection. The pharynx is part of both the digestive and respiratory systems, whereas the larynx is exclusively part of the respiratory system.

23. How do the pharynx and larynx work together in the process of breathing?

During breathing, air passes through the pharynx and then through the open glottis of the larynx into the trachea. The pharynx acts as a conduit, while the larynx regulates airflow and protects the lower airway.

24. What role does the epiglottis play in relation to the pharynx and larynx?

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that acts as a switch between the pharynx and larynx. During swallowing, it folds down to cover the entrance to the larynx, preventing food and liquids from entering the airway and directing them into the esophagus instead.

25. How do the pharynx and larynx contribute to the process of swallowing?

During swallowing, the pharynx contracts to push food downward, while the larynx rises and tilts forward. This movement, combined with the closing of the epiglottis, ensures that food is directed into the esophagus and not into the airway.

26. How do the pharynx and larynx contribute to the sense of taste?

While most taste buds are on the tongue, there are also taste receptors in the pharynx and larynx. These contribute to the overall taste experience and help trigger swallowing reflexes in response to food.

27. What is laryngitis, and how does it affect the function of the larynx?

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, often caused by viral infections or overuse of the voice. It can lead to hoarseness, loss of voice, and difficulty swallowing, as it affects the normal function of the vocal folds and surrounding tissues.

28. How does acid reflux affect the pharynx and larynx?

Acid reflux can cause inflammation and irritation of both the pharynx (pharyngitis) and larynx (laryngitis). This can lead to symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, can damage the tissues of these structures.

29. How do the pharynx and larynx change with age, and what effects can this have?

With age, the muscles of the pharynx can weaken, potentially leading to difficulties in swallowing. The larynx's cartilages can ossify, and the vocal folds can become less flexible, resulting in changes in voice quality and pitch.

30. What is the function of the ventricular folds in the larynx?

The ventricular folds, also known as false vocal folds, are located above the true vocal folds. They help protect the true vocal folds, assist in airway closure during swallowing, and can vibrate to produce some types of vocalizations.

31. How do the pharynx and larynx contribute to the process of vomiting?

During vomiting, the larynx closes to protect the airway, while the pharynx expands and contracts to help expel stomach contents. The soft palate rises to close off the nasal passage, directing the vomit out through the mouth.

32. How does the innervation of the pharynx and larynx differ?

The pharynx is innervated by branches of the glossopharyngeal (IX) and vagus (X) nerves. The larynx is primarily innervated by two branches of the vagus nerve: the superior laryngeal nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

33. How do the pharynx and larynx contribute to the startle reflex?

During the startle reflex, the larynx closes briefly to protect the airway, while the pharyngeal muscles contract. This can result in a sharp intake of breath or a vocalization, which is part of the body's protective response to sudden stimuli.

34. How do the pharynx and larynx contribute to the process of belching?

During belching, the upper esophageal sphincter (which is part of the lower pharynx) relaxes, allowing gas to escape from the stomach. The larynx typically closes to protect the airway, and the pharyngeal muscles help expel the gas through the mouth.

35. What is the function of the piriform recesses in the pharynx?

The piriform recesses are small pouches on either side of the larynx in the lower pharynx. They help guide food around the larynx during swallowing and also contribute to voice resonance.

36. How does the structure of the larynx enable voice production?

The larynx contains vocal folds (vocal cords) that vibrate when air passes through them. The tension and positioning of these folds, controlled by muscles, determine the pitch and volume of the voice produced.

37. How do the pharynx and larynx contribute to the production of different types of phonation?

The pharynx acts as a resonating chamber, modifying the sound produced by the larynx. The larynx, through adjustments of the vocal folds, produces different types of phonation such as modal voice, falsetto, and vocal fry.

38. What is the glottis, and how does it relate to the larynx?

The glottis is the opening between the vocal folds in the larynx. It opens during breathing to allow air passage and closes during swallowing to protect the airway. The size of the glottal opening also affects voice production.

39. What is the role of mucus in the pharynx and larynx?

Mucus in both the pharynx and larynx helps to moisten and protect the tissues, trap particles and pathogens, and aid in the smooth passage of food and air. It also plays a role in maintaining vocal cord health in the larynx.

40. How does the larynx change during puberty, and what effect does this have?

During puberty, especially in males, the larynx grows larger and the vocal folds lengthen and thicken. This causes the voice to deepen, a process known as voice breaking or mutation. In females, the changes are less pronounced but still occur.

41. What are the main divisions of the pharynx, and what are their functions?

The pharynx has three main divisions: the nasopharynx (upper part, connected to the nasal cavity), the oropharynx (middle part, connected to the mouth), and the laryngopharynx (lower part, connected to the larynx and esophagus). Each division plays a role in breathing, swallowing, and speech.

42. How does the soft palate interact with the pharynx during swallowing and speech?

The soft palate rises during swallowing to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity. During speech, it moves to control the flow of air through the nose and mouth, affecting the production of nasal and non-nasal sounds.

43. How does the gag reflex involve the pharynx?

The gag reflex is a protective mechanism triggered by stimulation of the back of the throat or pharynx. It causes the pharyngeal muscles to contract, helping to prevent choking and aspiration of foreign objects into the airway.

44. What are the tonsils, and how do they relate to the pharynx?

Tonsils are lymphoid tissues located in the pharynx. They include the palatine tonsils (commonly called "the tonsils"), pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), and lingual tonsils. They play a role in the immune system by helping to trap and fight pathogens entering through the mouth and nose.

45. What is the function of the pyriform sinuses in relation to the pharynx and larynx?

The pyriform sinuses are small pouches located on either side of the larynx in the lower pharynx. They help guide food around the larynx during swallowing and also contribute to voice resonance.

46. How does the position of the larynx in humans differ from other primates, and what advantage does this provide?

The human larynx is positioned lower in the neck compared to other primates. This lower position creates a larger pharyngeal cavity, which allows for a wider range of speech sounds and more complex vocalization.

47. How does the structure of the larynx contribute to its role as a sphincter?

The larynx acts as a sphincter through the action of the vocal folds and epiglottis. The vocal folds can close tightly to seal off the airway, while the epiglottis folds down to cover the laryngeal entrance, preventing substances from entering the lungs.

48. What is the function of the laryngeal ventricles?

The laryngeal ventricles are small pouches located between the true and false vocal folds. They help lubricate the vocal folds and may contribute to voice resonance. They also allow the vocal folds to vibrate more freely.

49. How do the pharynx and larynx work together in the production of whispered speech?

During whispering, the vocal folds are held apart and don't vibrate as they do in normal speech. Instead, turbulent airflow through the partially open glottis creates noise. The pharynx then shapes this noise into recognizable speech sounds.

50. What is the role of the cricothyroid muscle in changing pitch?

The cricothyroid muscle tilts the thyroid cartilage, stretching and tensing the vocal folds. This increases the frequency of their vibration, resulting in a higher pitch. It's the primary muscle responsible for pitch control in speech and singing.

51. What is the role of the thyroarytenoid muscle in the larynx?

The thyroarytenoid muscle forms the bulk of the vocal folds. When it contracts, it shortens and thickens the vocal folds, lowering the pitch of the voice. It also plays a role in controlling the tension and shape of the vocal folds during phonation.

52. What is the function of the conus elasticus in the larynx?

The conus elasticus is a cone-shaped membrane in the larynx that connects the cricoid cartilage to the vocal folds. It provides support and elasticity to the vocal folds, helping them to vibrate efficiently during phonation.

53. What is the role of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle in the larynx?

The posterior cricoarytenoid muscle is the only muscle that opens the vocal folds. When it contracts, it rotates the arytenoid cartilages, abducting the vocal folds and widening the glottis. This is crucial for breathing and certain voice productions.

54. How does the position of the larynx change during swallowing?

During swallowing, the larynx rises and moves forward. This movement helps to close off the airway (by tucking the larynx under the base of the tongue and epiglottis) and opens the upper esophageal sphincter, facilitating the passage of food into the esophagus.

55. What is the function of the interarytenoid muscles in the larynx?

The interarytenoid muscles (both transverse and oblique) bring the arytenoid cartilages together, closing the posterior part of the glottis. This action is important for complete glottal closure during swallowing and for producing certain voice qualities.