Which part of the pharynx is responsible for connecting to the larynx?

The laryngopharynx is the portion of the pharynx that connects to the larynx. It is located inferior to the oropharynx and extends from the hyoid bone to the esophagus and larynx. This anatomical positioning makes it crucial for directing air into the larynx during respiration and food into the esophagus during swallowing. The laryngopharynx serves as a passageway for both air and food, allowing for the separation of these two pathways as they travel to their respective destinations.

The other options do not connect directly to the larynx. The nasal cavity serves primarily for air passage and is positioned above the oropharynx. The oropharynx is involved in both air and food passage but connects to the laryngopharynx rather than the larynx itself. The pharyngeal constrictors are muscle groups that help in swallowing but do not describe a specific part of the pharynx that connects to the larynx. Thus, understanding the anatomical structure and function of the laryngopharynx clarifies why it is the correct answer in this context.