Larynx

About the Larynx

The larynx, or voice box, is a framework of cartilages, muscles, and ligaments at the top of the trachea. Its largest cartilage, the thyroid cartilage, forms the laryngeal prominence, the visible bump at the front of the neck, which is typically more prominent in males after puberty. Other cartilages include the cricoid cartilage, which forms a complete ring below it, the paired arytenoid cartilages that move the vocal folds, and the leaf shaped epiglottis. The larynx has three main functions: protecting the lower airway during swallowing, by closing and tilting the epiglottis over its entrance, regulating airflow during breathing, and producing sound, as air from the lungs vibrates the vocal folds. Its muscles are supplied by branches of the vagus nerve. Laryngitis, inflammation from infection or overuse, causes hoarseness, and cancer of the larynx is strongly associated with smoking and alcohol. A laryngectomy, removal of the larynx, requires new methods of speech.