The larynx (sometimes called the voice box) is a tube-shaped organ in the neck region between the pharynx (throat) and the trachea (breathing tube). The larynx houses the vocal cords and has a cartilaginous skeleton and intrinsic and extrinsic muscles that help it to carry out its primary functions, which include voice production, control of airflow (breathing) and swallowing.
Voice Production
According to the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center, voice production occurs as the result of three components: the production of airflow, generation of sound and articulation of voice. The vocal folds, or vocal cords, lie in the center of the larynx. A cartilaginous structure called the arytenoid is at the back of the vocal cords. When we breathe, muscles attached to the arytenoids pull apart and open the airway to allow for airflow. As air passes by the vocal cords, they open and close rapidly, resulting in pressure changes that result in the production of sound. Intrinsic muscles in the larynx can produce changes to the position and tension of the vocal cords that alter the pitch of sound. The remainder of the vocal tract, including the throat, nose and structures of the mouth, are then involved in the production of speech.
Swallowing and Airway Protection
The larynx sits on top of the trachea, or breathing tube. It is important that food, fluids and saliva be prevented from moving down the breathing tube and into the lungs because it can interfere with breathing and cause aspiration. During the act of swallowing, muscles of the larynx act to protect the lungs by closing off the larynx at multiple levels. Intrinsic muscles work to keep the vocal cords closed to prevent the passage of airflow to the trachea, while the extrinsic muscles (or strap muscles) shift the larynx up and forward. According to the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, the muscles of the throat (pharynx) then contract to help push the food downward toward the esophagus. At the junction of the bottom of the pharynx and the top of the esophagus is the upper esophageal sphincter. Anatomically connected to the larynx, this sphincter opens as the larynx moves up and forward, thereby allowing food to enter into the esophagus to complete the swallowing process.
Breathing
The larynx also plays an important role in controlling airflow for breathing. According to the Eastern Virginia Medical School Department of Otolaryngology, airflow is controlled primarily by intrinsic muscles that work to open the vocal cords and permit airflow to the trachea. According to the Mayo Clinic, vocal cords are activated by laryngeal nerves. If signals to both vocal cords are disrupted, individuals may not only have trouble speaking, but also trouble breathing as the cords are not able to open to allow air into and out of the trachea.
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