Pharynx and larynx

Introduction

These are the two organs that are located in the area around the neck region of a person’s bodily structure. It should be noted that the Larynx is a section of the trachea, while the Pharynx is an alimentary canal segment.

The Pharynx is a hollow structure that is posterior to the oral and nasal cavities and is a part of the digestive and respiratory systems of the human body. As a shared conduit for swallowing and respiration, it serves a dual purpose. 

The Larynx, on the other hand, is a tube that connects the lower section of the Pharynx to the trachea. It not only serves as a valve to enable air to pass through, but it also aids in the process of vocalisation and swallowing as well. The Larynx is divided into three parts: the supraglottis, the glottis, and the subglottis (the lower section of the throat).

Pharynx

The pharynx is a portion of the throat that connects the mouth to the oesophagus and the nose to the larynx. It is a muscular tube that begins below the nose and extends down the neck to the trachea. The pharynx is a common passageway that connects the respiratory and digestive systems, respectively. The pharynx receives food and drink from the oral cavity, as well as air from both the oral cavity and the nasal cavity. The pharynx is found in both vertebrates and invertebrates, including annelids, arthropods, and other organisms.

Location of pharynx

The pharynx is the area behind the oral and nasal cavities that contains the windpipe. In addition to being a component of the throat, it serves as a common passageway for both the digestive and respiratory systems to pass through.

It connects the digestive tract to the oesophagus and the respiratory tract to the larynx, which is an opening into the larynx.

The pharynx is also found in several animals, including worms. The shape and size of creatures differ from one another. A thick and muscular structure, rotated or turned outward, are all possibilities.

Larynx

The larynx is an organ that is involved in the creation of sound as well as the process of breathing. It also serves to protect the trachea against aspiration of food. The larynx is also referred to as the soundbox in some circles. The length of the larynx in an adult male is 44mm in length, whereas the length of the larynx in an adult female is 36mm in length. All of the key aspects of the larynx, such as its function, structure, role, and position, have been discussed in depth in this page.

Location of larynx

The larynx is located in the anterior midline of the neck, just behind the trachea. In humans, it extends from below the surface of the tongue to the trachea. The location of the C3 to C6 vertebrae in an adult male is from C3 to C6. The position of the larynx in adult females and children is between the C1 and C4 vertebrae. The diameter of the larynx in children is approximately 3mm, while it is approximately 12mm in adults.

The Function of the Pharynx

The pharynx is a passageway that allows both air and food to flow through. The pharynx is responsible for the following primary functions: • It warms and humidifies air before it reaches the lungs.

• It aids in the flow of food via the oesophagus to the stomach. • Circular muscles assist in pushing food down into the stomach, while longitudinal muscles assist in swallowing food by elevating and broadening the walls of the stomach. It also aids in the production of speech by amplifying the sound produced by the larynx, also known as the soundbox.
• The presence of lymphoid tissues in the pharynx serves as the body’s first line of defence against external diseases.

The function of the Larynx

Some of the functions of the larynx are covered further below:

• The larynx is responsible for protecting the lower airways.
• In humans, the larynx is important for phonation.
• The fixation of the chest is a function of the larynx in the respiratory system.
• The larynx aids in the production of the cough reflex.

A vocal cord abduction occurs during the expiration process, which is facilitated by the larynx muscle.

Conclusion

The pharynx and larynx are two structures that can be found in the neck area of vertebrates, respectively. The pharynx is a fibromuscular tube that stretches from the base of the skull to the oesophagus and is responsible for the passage of food and liquid. When you speak, the larynx protects the entrance to the lower respiratory passageways such as the bronchi, trachea, and lungs. The larynx is made up of cartilages and muscles as well as mucous membrane and ligaments. The larynx is also where the vocal cords are located.