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
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.