Larynx

The structure essential for voice production and protection of the airway.

The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is a complex organ located in the neck. It plays a crucial role in phonation, which is the production of sound, as well as serving as a passageway for air during breathing. The larynx is made up of several cartilages, ligaments, muscles, and mucous membranes, which work together to facilitate its functions.

Terminologia Anatomica

larynx

System

Respiratory system

Function

One of the primary functions of the larynx is to facilitate sound production, or phonation. The vocal cords, located within the larynx, vibrate as air passes through them, creating sound waves which are then modulated by movements of the tongue, lips, and mouth, resulting in speech. Additionally, the larynx plays a crucial protective role by acting as a gatekeeper to the airway, preventing foreign objects and food from entering the trachea and lungs. It also helps regulate the flow of air in and out of the respiratory system, which is essential for proper breathing. This organ is not only vital for communication through speech but also for the respiratory process, making it integral to various aspects of human function.

Location

The larynx is situated in the anterior part of the neck, specifically between the pharynx and the trachea. It begins at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra (C5) and extends to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6). The larynx is positioned just below the hyoid bone and sits above the trachea, making it a critical junction in the respiratory system. Its prominent structure can be felt in the front of the neck as the Adam's apple, which is more pronounced in males due to the larger size of the laryngeal cartilages.

Did You Know?

The larynx is not only responsible for voice production, but it also assists in regulating breathing and protecting the airway during swallowing.
The length and tension of the vocal cords can change with age; for example, they elongate in men during puberty, leading to deeper voices.
The larynx has a rich blood supply, which plays a role in its ability to function properly and heal after injury.
Some animals have a highly developed larynx that allows them to produce a wide variety of sounds, much more complex than human speech.