Biology · Breathing and Exchange of Gases · NEET
No. The pharynx is the common passage for both food and air. The larynx is only an air passage. The pharynx opens into the larynx, and the larynx then opens into the trachea. So the order is: pharynx to larynx to trachea. For NEET, remember pharynx = shared, larynx = air only (sound box).
The larynx is the whole cartilaginous sound box that produces sound. The epiglottis is a small thin elastic cartilaginous flap that acts like a lid. During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the glottis (the opening into the larynx) so food does not enter the airway. So larynx = box, epiglottis = lid on the box.
The glottis is the opening that leads from the pharynx into the larynx. The epiglottis is the flap that covers this opening during swallowing. NCERT says: 'During swallowing glottis can be covered by a thin elastic cartilaginous flap called epiglottis to prevent the entry of food into the larynx.' Glottis = hole, epiglottis = lid.
The larynx helps in sound production. When air passes through it during expiration, it produces sound (voice). Because of this function, NCERT calls the larynx the 'sound box'. This is a common one-line fact NEET can ask directly.
The epiglottis is made of cartilage, not bone. NCERT clearly calls it a 'thin elastic cartilaginous flap'. The larynx itself is also described as a 'cartilaginous box'. So both structures are cartilaginous, which is a favourite NEET fact.
If the epiglottis fails to cover the glottis while swallowing, food can enter the larynx and trachea (the airway). This causes choking. The epiglottis prevents entry of food into the larynx, keeping the airway clear for breathing.
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
The larynx lies between the pharynx and the trachea. The pharynx opens through the larynx region into the trachea.
The larynx produces sound, which is why NCERT calls it the sound box. It is also a part of the air passage leading to the trachea.
The epiglottis covers the glottis during swallowing to prevent food from entering the larynx and the airway.
Yes. NCERT describes the epiglottis as a 'thin elastic cartilaginous flap', so it can bend to cover the glottis and then spring back.
No. The larynx carries only air. Food passes through the pharynx into the oesophagus (food pipe), not into the larynx.
