Pharynx vs. Larynx: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on August 10, 2024
The pharynx is a muscular tube connecting the nose and mouth to the esophagus, aiding in swallowing, while the larynx, or voice box, is located below the pharynx and is responsible for sound production and protecting the airway during swallowing.
Key Differences
The pharynx is a muscular tube that serves as a pathway for both food and air. It connects the nasal and oral cavities to the esophagus and the larynx. The pharynx plays a key role in swallowing, directing food to the esophagus and air to the larynx. On the other hand, the larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is located just below the pharynx and serves a different primary function: sound production. The larynx houses the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce speech.
While the pharynx functions in both the respiratory and digestive systems, the larynx is primarily involved in the respiratory system. The larynx also acts as a protective mechanism by closing the airway during swallowing, preventing food from entering the lungs. This is a key difference, as the pharynx directs food and air to their respective destinations but does not engage in sound production or airway protection.
The pharynx is divided into three sections: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx, each serving different functions in the passage of air and food. In contrast, the larynx does not have such divisions but includes structures like the epiglottis and vocal cords, crucial for its functions in sound and airway protection.
In terms of location, the pharynx is positioned behind the nasal and oral cavities, extending to the esophagus. The larynx is situated below the pharynx, at the top of the trachea, which leads to the lungs. The larynx's specific location is essential for its role in controlling the passage of air and food.
Comparison Chart
Function
Directs food to esophagus, air to larynx
Produces sound, protects airway
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System Involvement
Both respiratory and digestive
Primarily respiratory
Location
Behind nasal and oral cavities, above esophagus
Below pharynx, above trachea
Structure
Divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
Includes epiglottis, vocal cords
Role in Swallowing
Directs food to esophagus
Prevents food from entering lungs
Pharynx and Larynx Definitions
Pharynx
A muscular tube aiding in swallowing by connecting the mouth and nasal passages to the esophagus.
The doctor examined her pharynx to check for signs of infection.
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Larynx
The organ responsible for voice production, housing the vocal cords.
The singer damaged his larynx from overuse, affecting his voice.
Pharynx
Divided into three regions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx, each with specific functions.
The nasopharynx is the uppermost part of the pharynx, located behind the nasal cavity.
Larynx
Contains the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that seals the airway during swallowing.
The epiglottis is part of the larynx and helps prevent choking.
Pharynx
A part of both the respiratory and digestive systems, playing a key role in directing food and air.
The pharynx ensures food travels safely to the esophagus during swallowing.
Larynx
Located just below the pharynx, it connects the throat to the trachea.
The larynx serves as a passage for air to reach the lungs.
Pharynx
Functions as a shared pathway for air on its way to the larynx and for food heading to the esophagus.
The pharynx is crucial for proper swallowing and breathing.
Larynx
Commonly referred to as the voice box, it plays a critical role in speech.
The larynx allows us to speak by vibrating the vocal cords.
Pharynx
Extends from the base of the skull to the esophagus, behind the oral and nasal cavities.
During an upper respiratory infection, the pharynx can become inflamed and sore.
Larynx
Protects the respiratory tract by preventing food from entering the trachea during swallowing.
The epiglottis in the larynx closes when you swallow to keep food out of your lungs.
Pharynx
The section of the digestive tract that extends from the mouth and nasal cavities to the larynx, where it becomes continuous with the esophagus.
Larynx
The part of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and the trachea, having walls of cartilage and muscle and containing the vocal cords enveloped in folds of mucous membrane.
Pharynx
(anatomy) The part of the alimentary canal and respiratory tract that extends from the back of the mouth and nasal cavity to the larynx and esophagus.
Larynx
A hollow muscular organ of the neck of mammals situated just below where the tract of the pharynx splits into the trachea and the oesophagus. It is involved in breath control and protection of the trachea, and, because it houses the vocal cords, sound production.
Pharynx
(zootomy) The part of the alimentary canal immediately behind the mouth in invertebrates that may be thickened and muscular, eversible and toothed, or adapted as a suctorial organ.
Larynx
The expanded upper end of the windpipe or trachea, connected with the hyoid bone or cartilage. It contains the vocal cords, which produce the voice by their vibrations, when they are stretched and a current of air passes between them. The larynx is connected with the pharynx by an opening, the glottis, which, in mammals, is protected by a lidlike epiglottis.
Pharynx
The part of the alimentary canal between the cavity of the mouth and the esophagus. It has one or two external openings through the nose in the higher vertebrates, and lateral branchial openings in fishes and some amphibias.
Larynx
A cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea; contains elastic vocal cords that are the source of the vocal tone in speech
Pharynx
The passage to the stomach and lungs; in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone
FAQs
Is the pharynx involved in sound production?
No, the pharynx does not produce sound; this function is performed by the larynx.
What is the primary function of the pharynx?
The pharynx directs food to the esophagus and air to the larynx, playing roles in both digestion and respiration.
Can the pharynx be involved in respiratory infections?
Yes, the pharynx can become inflamed during respiratory infections, leading to a sore throat.
How does the larynx contribute to speech?
The larynx houses the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound, essential for speech.
What connects the pharynx to the stomach?
The pharynx connects to the esophagus, which then leads to the stomach.
Where is the pharynx located?
The pharynx is located behind the nasal and oral cavities, extending down to the esophagus.
Does the larynx have any divisions?
The larynx is not divided like the pharynx but contains structures like the vocal cords and epiglottis.
What is the larynx also known as?
The larynx is commonly referred to as the voice box.
How does the pharynx assist in breathing?
The pharynx directs air from the nose and mouth to the larynx and eventually the lungs.
What role does the larynx play in protecting the airway?
The larynx prevents food from entering the lungs during swallowing by closing the airway.
Is the pharynx part of the digestive system?
Yes, the pharynx is part of both the digestive and respiratory systems.
Is the larynx part of the upper or lower respiratory tract?
The larynx is part of the upper respiratory tract.
Can issues with the larynx affect swallowing?
Yes, if the larynx is swollen or damaged, it can cause difficulty in swallowing and increase the risk of choking.
What are the divisions of the pharynx?
The pharynx is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
What prevents food from entering the trachea?
The epiglottis, part of the larynx, prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.
Can the larynx be involved in respiratory distress?
Yes, conditions like laryngitis can cause swelling of the larynx, leading to respiratory distress.
How does the pharynx contribute to the sense of taste?
The pharynx plays a minor role in taste as it is involved in swallowing and salivation.
What happens if the larynx is damaged?
Damage to the larynx can affect breathing and the ability to speak.
What structure in the larynx is essential for sound?
The vocal cords within the larynx are essential for sound production.
What happens if the pharynx is blocked?
A blocked pharynx can cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
