What is the Pharynx and the Larynx?
Before we start learning about the Pharynx and larynx, it is essential to learn what the Pharynx and Larynx. These are the two organs situated in the area around the neck region of a human body. The Pharynx is a part of the alimentary canal, while the Larynx is a portion of the trachea.
The Pharynx is located posterior to the oral and nasal cavities, forming part of the digestive and respiratory systems. It acts as a common channel for swallowing and respiration. The Pharynx is divided into three regions – The nasopharynx, Oropharynx, and Laryngopharynx.
Whereas, the Larynx connects the lower part of the Pharynx with the trachea. It not only acts as a valve to the passage of air but also helps in the process of vocalization and swallowing. The Larynx is divided into three parts – supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis.
Differences between the Pharynx and Larynx
There are several similarities between the Pharynx and the Larynx, yet there are many ways in which these two organs are different from each other. These organs are very essential for the proper functioning of the human respiratory and the digestive system. The table of differences between the Pharynx and Larynx which has been prepared by experts of Vedantu is
Pharynx vs Larynx
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FAQs on Difference Between Pharynx and Larynx
1. What is the main difference between the pharynx and the larynx?
The main difference lies in their function and location. The pharynx is a passageway for both food and air, connecting your mouth and nasal cavity to the oesophagus and larynx. In contrast, the larynx, or voice box, is located below the pharynx and serves only as a passageway for air. Its primary role is to produce sound using the vocal cords.
2. Which comes first in the throat, the pharynx or the larynx?
The pharynx comes first. It is located higher in the throat, just behind the mouth and nasal cavity. The larynx is situated just below the pharynx, acting as a bridge between the pharynx and the trachea (windpipe). Therefore, air you breathe in passes through the pharynx before it reaches the larynx.
3. Is the pharynx part of the digestive system or the respiratory system?
The pharynx is uniquely part of both systems. It serves a dual role. For the respiratory system, it channels air from the nose and mouth towards the lungs. For the digestive system, it guides food and liquids from the mouth towards the oesophagus.
4. How does the larynx, or voice box, actually produce sound?
The larynx produces sound using two bands of muscle tissue called the vocal cords. When you breathe out, air from the lungs passes through the larynx, causing these cords to vibrate. The pitch of the sound changes based on how tight or loose these cords are. Your mouth, tongue, and lips then shape these vibrations into speech.
5. How do the pharynx and larynx prevent food from going down the wrong pipe?
This critical function is managed by a small flap of cartilage called the epiglottis, which sits at the top of the larynx. When you swallow, the epiglottis automatically folds down to cover the opening of the larynx. This action blocks the airway and ensures that food travels correctly down the oesophagus, not into your windpipe.
6. What are the main sections of the pharynx?
The pharynx is divided into three main sections based on its location:
- Nasopharynx: The upper part connected to the back of the nasal cavity.
- Oropharynx: The middle part located behind the mouth.
- Laryngopharynx: The lowest part, which connects to the oesophagus and the larynx.
7. If the larynx creates the sound, does the pharynx have any role in our voice?
Yes, it plays a very important role. While the larynx generates the raw sound vibrations, the pharynx acts as a resonating chamber. Much like the body of a guitar amplifies the sound from its strings, the pharynx helps shape and amplify the sound produced by the vocal cords, giving our voice its unique tone and quality.
