Larynx

The “voice box” — a short passage of cartilage at the top of the windpipe, between the pharynx and the trachea.

What it contains

The vocal cords — folds of tissue that vibrate as air passes, producing sound.

What it does

• Produces voice — controlling the pitch and volume of speech.
• Guards the airway — the epiglottis, a cartilage flap, covers the larynx during swallowing so food goes to the esophagus, not the lungs.
• Routes air between the pharynx and the trachea.

Key idea

The larynx is both a sound generator and a gatekeeper — and its airway-protecting role is the more vital of the two.