The combining form pharyng/o refers to which anatomical structure?

The combining form pharyng/o refers to which anatomical structure?

• A. Pharynx
• B. Larynx
• C. Esophagus
• D. Trachea

Answer: (A)

Pharyng/o refers to the pharynx, the throat region behind the nasal and oral cavities that serves as a passageway for both air and food. It connects to the esophagus and the larynx and has sections like the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. This combining form appears in terms such as pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx) and pharyngoplasty (surgical repair of the pharynx). The other structures are different parts of the airway or digestive tract: the larynx is the voice box, the esophagus carries food to the stomach, and the trachea is the windpipe.

Pharyng/o refers to the pharynx, the throat region behind the nasal and oral cavities that serves as a passageway for both air and food. It connects to the esophagus and the larynx and has sections like the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. This combining form appears in terms such as pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx) and pharyngoplasty (surgical repair of the pharynx). The other structures are different parts of the airway or digestive tract: the larynx is the voice box, the esophagus carries food to the stomach, and the trachea is the windpipe.