The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is a hollow, cartilaginous organ located in the anterior neck, about 4 to 5 centimeters in length. It sits just above the trachea (windpipe) and in front of the esophagus (gullet), spanning roughly the vertebral levels C3 to C6
. Its primary functions include:
- Allowing air to pass from the throat (pharynx) into the trachea and lungs, making it a crucial part of the respiratory system
- Housing the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound for speech and voice
- Protecting the lower respiratory tract by preventing food and liquids from entering the windpipe during swallowing, using a flap called the epiglottis that closes the laryngeal inlet
- Facilitating the cough reflex to clear the airway
Anatomically, the larynx is composed of cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and mucous membrane. It has three main parts:
- Supraglottis: area above the vocal cords
- Glottis: area containing the vocal cords
- Subglottis: area below the vocal cords connecting to the trachea
The larynx is visible externally as the "Adam's apple," especially in men, where it tends to be larger, correlating with a deeper voice
. In summary, the larynx is an essential organ for breathing, voice production, and airway protection.
