Difference Between Pharynx And Larynx

Pharynx and Larynx are Structures in the neck region of vertebrates. The main difference between these two structures is that Pharynx is a region where food and air come from their respective external openings i.e. Mouth and Nose while the Larynx is a Cartilagenous organ that helps in the production of sound.

Difference Between Pharynx and Larynx

The differences between the pharynx and larynx are as follows:

Features	Larynx	Pharynx
Type	Cartilaginous organ	Muscle-lined passage
Vocal Cords	Contains vocal cords	Does not contain vocal cords
Location	Located on top of the trachea in the Laryngopharynx.	Connects the nose and mouth to the trachea and esophagus
Cartilages	Made up of four cartilages	N/A
Classification	N/A	Divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
Functions	breathing. preventing food from entering the trachea and lungs. production of sound through vocal cords.	carrying air to the respiratory system taking food to the digestive system helping in swallowing food (deglutination) maintaining pressure in the ears

What is Pharynx?

The pharynx is a muscle-lined passage that connects the nose and mouth to the trachea and esophagus respectively. It is known as the common passage for food and air.

It is divided into three parts:

• Nasopharynx:  Nasopharynx is the topmost region of the pharynx. The nose and auditory tube open into the nasopharynx. Secondary lymphoid tissue called tonsils are also present in the nasopharynx.
• Oropharynx: Oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx. The oral cavity opens into the oropharynx. The tongue forms the floor of the oropharynx. The palatine tonsils are also present in the oropharynx.
• Laryngopharynx:  The bottommost region of the pharynx where the larynx is present is known as the laryngopharynx. The walls of the laryngopharynx are made up of cartilage.

Functions of Pharynx

The pharynx has several important functions as follows:

• It carries air to the respiratory system.
• It takes food to the digestive system.
• It helps in deglutination means swallowing food
• It maintains pressure in the ears.

What is Larynx?

Larynx is a Cartilagenous organ located on top of the trachea in the Laryngopharynx. It is internally lined with Ciliated Columnar Epithelium. It is made up of four cartilages.

• Thyroid cartilage(1): ​Thyroid cartilage supports the front, upper and lower parts of the Larynx.
• Cricoid cartilage (1): Cricoid cartilage is ring-like and it supports the lower part of the Larynx
• Arytenoid cartilages (2): Arytenoid cartilages are triangular shaped and they support the back part of the Larynx.

Functions of Larynx

Larynx has three main functions in the body

• Breathing
• Preventing food and other particles from getting into the trachea, lungs, and other parts of the respiratory system.
• Production of sound

Conclusion

We can conclude that the pharynx and larynx are distinct structures in the neck region. The pharynx is a common passage for food and air, while the larynx is involved in sound production. Understanding the differences between these structures enhances our knowledge of the neck’s anatomy and its various functions.

FAQs on Pharynx and Larynx

1. What is the main difference between the Pharynx and Larynx?

Answer:

The main difference between the Pharynx and Larynx is that Pharynx is a region where food and air come from their respective external openings, i.e., Mouth and Nose, while the Larynx is a Cartilagenous organ that helps in the production of sound.

2. How many parts is the Pharynx divided into? Name them.

Answer:

The Pharynx is divided into three parts: Nasopharynx, Oropharynx and Laryngopharynx

3. Where is the Larynx located in the body?

Answer:

The Larynx is present on top of the trachea in the Laryngopharynx.

4. How many cartilages make up the Larynx?

Answer:

The Larynx is made up of four cartilages: Thyroid cartilage, Cricoid cartilage and two Arytenoid cartilages.