Larynx

Larynx
Anatomy of the larynx, anterolateral view
Details
Identifiers
Latin	larynx
Greek	λάρυγξ (lárynx)
MeSH	D007830
TA	A06.2.01.001
FMA	55097
Anatomical terminology []

The larynx /ˈlærɪŋks/ (plural larynges; from the Greek λάρυγξ lárynx), commonly called the voice box, is an organ in the neck of tetrapods involved in breathing, sound production, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. It manipulates pitch and volume. The larynx houses the vocal cords, which are essential for phonation. They are situated just below where the tract of the pharynx splits into the trachea and the esophagus.

There are six cartilages, three unpaired and three paired, that support the mammalian larynx and form its skeleton.

Unpaired cartilages:

Paired cartilages:

The muscles of the larynx are divided into intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.

The intrinsic muscles are divided into respiratory and the phonatory muscles (the muscles of phonation). The respiratory muscles move the vocal cords apart and serve breathing. The phonatory muscles move the vocal cords together and serve the production of voice. The extrinsic, passing between the larynx and parts around; and intrinsic, confined entirely. The main respiratory muscles are the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. The phonatory muscles are divided into adductors (lateral cricoarytenoid muscles, arytenoid muscles) and tensors (cricothyroid muscles, thyroarytenoid muscles).