Larynx

The Voice Box

The larynx, also called the voice box, is a special part of our body that helps us make sounds. It sits right at the top of our neck. When we talk, sing, or even cough, the larynx helps us do these things.

Inside the larynx are two important parts called vocal cords. These cords can vibrate to make sounds. They can change how tight they are, which helps us change how high or low our voice sounds. This is very useful when we sing different songs or speak in different ways.

The larynx also helps keep us safe. When we swallow food, the larynx moves to stop the food from going down the wrong way into our trachea. The trachea is the tube that carries air to our lungs. This helps make sure we breathe easy and don’t get sick.

The larynx is made of special tissues called cartilages. These are like strong, bendy bones. One big piece is called the thyroid cartilage, and it is what many people call the Adam's apple. Another piece, the epiglottis, helps keep food out of our airway when we swallow.

In children, the larynx starts higher up in the neck and moves down as they grow. This is why kids’ voices sound different from grown-ups’ voices. The larynx is very important for our communication and keeping us healthy.