What is a significant anatomical difference regarding an infant's larynx?

The larynx of an infant is positioned higher in the throat compared to that of an adult. This anatomical difference is crucial for enabling infants to breathe and swallow simultaneously, which is essential during breastfeeding. The higher positioning of the larynx in infants allows the epiglottis to contact the soft palate, creating a pathway that protects the airway while feeding. As children grow, the larynx descends, which facilitates speech development and changes the mechanics of breathing and swallowing. Understanding this anatomical difference is important for comprehending how the respiratory and digestive systems are integrated in infants and how this changes as they mature.