Larynx
| Larynx | |
|---|---|
Anatomy of the human larynx, anterolateral view | |
| Details | |
| Pronunciation | /ˈlærɪŋks/ LARR-inks[1] |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | larynx |
| Greek | λάρυγξ |
| MeSH | D007830 |
| TA98 | A06.2.01.001 |
| TA2 | 3184 |
| FMA | 55097 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The larynx (pl.: larynges or larynxes),[1] commonly called the voice box, is an organ in the top of the neck involved in breathing, producing sound and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The opening of the larynx into the pharynx known as the laryngeal inlet is about 4–5 centimeters in diameter.[2] The larynx houses the vocal cords, and manipulates pitch and volume, which is essential for phonation. It is situated just below where the tract of the pharynx splits into the trachea and the esophagus.
- ^ a b "LARYNX". Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (4 ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2013. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ Suárez-Quintanilla J, Fernández Cabrera A, Sharma S (2021). "article-24061". Anatomy, Head and Neck, Larynx. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. PMID 30855790. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
The larynx is about 4 to 5cm in length and width, with a slightly shorter anterior-posterior diameter. It is smaller in women than men, and larger in adults than children owing to its growth in puberty. A larger larynx correlates with a deeper voice.