key term - Larynx

Definition

The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is an organ situated in the neck of mammals that plays a critical role in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. It houses the vocal cords and manipulates pitch and volume, which is essential for phonation.

Related terms

Vocal cords: Vibrating bands of muscle tissue within the larynx that produce sound when air passes through them.

Trachea:

A tube that connects the pharynx and larynx to the lungs, allowing for air passage during respiration.

Phonation:

The process of producing vocal sound by the vibration of the vocal folds in response to airflow from the lungs