Final answer:
The opening to the airways of the respiratory system from the pharynx into the larynx is called the laryngeal inlet. It is where air passes through from the pharynx to the larynx, and the epiglottis helps prevent food from entering the airways during swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The opening to the airways of the respiratory system from the pharynx into the larynx is known as the laryngeal inlet. The pharynx is a musculomembranous tube that connects the posterior oral and nasal cavities to the larynx and esophagus, serving as a part of both the respiratory and digestive systems. It functions to allow the passage of air to the larynx, or voice box, which then leads to the trachea and eventually the lungs. The pharynx has three subdivisions: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx. The oropharynx begins inferior to the nasopharynx and is continuous below with the laryngopharynx. The laryngopharynx's inferior border connects to the esophagus, and the anterior portion connects to the larynx, thereby facilitating air entry into the bronchial tree.
During swallowing, a structure called the epiglottis functions as a safety mechanism by closing off the larynx to prevent food or drinks from entering the airways. This coordination between respiration and digestion ensures that the respiratory passage is protected while eating.