Pharynx and larynx are the structures present in the neck region of vertebrates. The pharynx is a fibromuscular tube that extends from the base of the skull to the oesophagus. The larynx is an apparatus made of cartilages, muscles, mucous membrane and ligaments that guards the entrance to the lower respiratory passages such as bronchi, trachea and lungs. Larynx also houses the vocal cords.
The pharynx and larynx differ in their structure and function. Given below in a tabular column are the differences between pharynx and larynx.
Pharynx vs Larynx
| Pharynx | Larynx |
| The pharynx is a membrane-lined cavity present behind the nose and the mouth, connecting them to the larynx and esophagus respectively. | The larynx is a muscular organ that forms an air passage for the lungs and vocal cord. |
| It is a part of both respiratory and digestive system | It is a part of the respiratory system. |
| The walls of the pharynx are made of muscles | The walls of the larynx are made of cartilages |
| It is made of three regions namely oropharynx, nasopharynx and laryngopharynx | It is made of four cartilages namely cricoid cartilage, thyroid cartilage, corniculate cartilage and arytenoid cartilage |
Both oral and the nasal cavities open into the pharynx. The pharynx, in turn, opens into the food pipe and the larynx. The larynx opens into the trachea. Both food and air pass through the pharynx.
To know more about other differences, keep visiting BYJU’S website.
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