Larynx

The larynx, also known as the voice box, is an organ in the throat that plays a vital role in speech and breathing.

The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate to produce sound when air passes through them. The larynx also helps to protect the trachea (windpipe) from foreign objects and aspiration (inhaling liquids or food).

The larynx is made up of several cartilage structures, including the thyroid cartilage (which forms Adam's apple), the arytenoid cartilage, and the cricoid cartilage.

The vocal cords are two bands of elastic tissue that span the larynx and vibrate when air passes through them. The space between the vocal cords is known as the glottis.

The larynx is controlled by several pairs of muscles, including the intrinsic laryngeal muscles and the extrinsic laryngeal muscles. The intrinsic laryngeal muscles are responsible for the fine control of the vocal cords, while the extrinsic laryngeal muscles alter the position of the larynx in the throat.

The larynx is a vital organ that plays an important role in speech and breathing. The cartilage and muscles of the larynx work together to produce sound and protect the airway from foreign objects and aspiration.