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What is the difference between pharynx and larynx ? ( Class 10, Life Processes )


Dear Student,

Differences between a pharynx and larynx

Pharynx Larynx
It is a part of both digestive system and respiratory system. It is a part of respiratory system
It does not play any role in protection of trachea It protects trachea from aspirated food.
It does not have any role in sound generation. It plays a major role in sound generation.
It continues with oesophagus. It is not continuous with any system.
It is made up of muscles It is made up of cartilage.


​​​​​Regards

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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
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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.
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 The main difference between pharynx and larynx is that pharynx is a part of an alimentary canal, which extends from the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and the esophagus whereas larynx is the upper portion of the trachea. Both air and food pass through the pharynx. The air enters the larynx, and the food enters the esophagus. The wall of the larynx is made up of cartilage. The larynx is also called the vocal box since it contains vocal cords. The air passing through the larynx produces sound.
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