Which term refers to the larynx?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Trachea
• C. Laryng/o
• D. Pharynx

Answer: (C)

When we talk about medical terms, body parts are identified by combining forms that carry the meaning of the part. The larynx, the organ in the neck that houses the vocal cords and protects the airway during swallowing, is linked with the combining form laryng/o. This form is used to build terms such as laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) and laryngoscope (an instrument to view the larynx). The other options point to different structures: the esophagus uses esophag/o, the trachea uses trache/o, and the pharynx uses pharyng/o, none of which mean the larynx. So the term that refers to the larynx is laryng/o.