The throat is a complex organ with many different parts and components, including the larynx. Although the larynx is relatively small, any sort of inflammation or damage to it can cause severe problems with its functions, such as voice production.
Location
The larynx is located in the front of the throat, called the laryngopharyinx. It is surrounded by cartilage from the thyroid.
Anatomy
The larynx has four basic components: skeleton, intrinsic muscles, extrinsic muscles and the mucosal lining. This skeleton is made out of arytenoid, thyroid and cricoid cartilage. The cartilage skeleton is what covers the vocal cords and is connected to the rest of the body via extrinsic muscles. The intrinsic muscles are responsible for controlling the shape and position and how tense the vocal cords are. The mucosal lining is responsible for protecting and lubricating the vocal cords.
Function
The larynx is involved in swallowing and breathing, but its primary role is in the production of voice. Voice production has three parts: airflow, sound production and sound modification. The lungs are responsible for the first part (airflow). Sound production occurs when the mucosa of the vocal cords vibrates. The tone of the sound is altered by the action of the intrinsic muscles, which can change the tension of the vocal cords. Finally, the sound is modified and turned into speech by the lips, mouth, cheeks and tongue.
