The larynx
The larynx (also called the voice box) is in the neck and is part of the respiratory system. It is located below the tongue and pharynx (throat). The larynx connects the pharynx to the windpipe (trachea).
The epiglottis and the vocal cords are part of the larynx. The epiglottis is a flap
of movable
The esophagus is the tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It moves food from your throat to your stomach.
Structure and function
The larynx is about 5 cm (2 inches) long. It is made up of cartilage, ligaments (connective tissue) and muscles.
The larynx has 3 main functions:
- breathing: allows the air that you breathe to travel from your nose and mouth to lungs
- swallowing: prevents food from entering your windpipe when you swallow
- speaking: makes the sounds when you speak
The larynx is divided into 3 regions.
The supraglottis is the top of the larynx. It contains the epiglottis and a U-shaped bone called the hyoid bone. Several muscles and ligaments attached to the hyoid bone help move the larynx and tongue during swallowing and speech.
The glottis is the middle part of the larynx. It contains the vocal cords. The vocal cords are two small bands of muscle on either side of the windpipe that allow you to make sounds. Thyroid cartilage supports and protects the vocal cords and forms the front and side walls of the larynx. It has a large bump that can be easily felt on the neck and is commonly called the Adam’s apple.
The subglottis is the bottom of the larynx. It’s between the glottis and the windpipe. The cricoid cartilage is a ring of cartilage that sits below the thyroid cartilage and connects the larynx to the windpipe. It protects the opening to the windpipe and allows for air to move to the lungs.
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