The __________ is the common passageway for the respiratory and digestive systems.Multiple Choicelarynxesophaguspharynxoral cavity

The correct answer is pharynx.

Explanation

The pharynx is a muscular tube that serves as a common passageway for both the respiratory and digestive systems. It connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus. When you swallow, the pharynx plays a crucial role in directing food towards the esophagus while also allowing air to pass into the larynx and then to the trachea for breathing.

• The larynx primarily functions in sound production and directing air.
• The esophagus is solely responsible for transporting food to the stomach.
• The oral cavity is where food enters but is not a passageway that connects to both systems.

Thus, the pharynx is the best fit for the blank in the statement provided.