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pharynx vs. larynx

pharynx vs. larynx: What’s the difference?

The pharynx and the larynx are both parts of the throat and of the larger respiratory tract. The pharynx is the tube that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the trachea (the windpipe) and with the esophagus (the tube to the stomach). The larynx (also called the voice box) is the upper part of the trachea that contains the vocal cords. The larynx is located right below the pharynx.

pharynx

[ far-ingks ]
noun,
  1. the tube or cavity, with its surrounding membrane and muscles, that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus.

larynx

[ lar-ingks ]
noun,
  1. a muscular and cartilaginous structure lined with mucous membrane at the upper part of the trachea in humans, in which the vocal cords are located.
  2. Zoology.
    1. a similar vocal organ in other mammals.
    2. a corresponding structure in certain lower animals.