Definition

1. Noun:
   • The voice box; a cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea (windpipe): The larynx is an organ in the neck that contains the vocal cords. It is essential for breathing, producing sound (phonation), and protecting the trachea during swallowing.

Usage

• The larynx is a critical organ for human speech and vocalization.
• It is located in the anterior (front) part of the neck.
• The primary functions of the larynx are to produce vocal sounds, regulate airflow into the lungs, and prevent food or liquid from entering the airway.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The singer damaged her larynx after years of straining her voice.
  • During the surgery, the doctor examined the patient's larynx for any abnormalities.
  • The larynx houses the vocal folds, which vibrate to create sound.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: In medical terminology, "larynx" is central to fields like otolaryngology (ENT) and speech pathology. Conditions like laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) are common.
  • Chronic acid reflux can irritate the lining of the larynx.

Variants and Related Words

• Laryngeal (adjective): Pertaining to the larynx.
  • The patient experienced laryngeal spasms.
• Laryngitis (noun): Inflammation of the larynx, often causing hoarseness.
  • He lost his voice due to acute laryngitis.

Synonyms

• Voice box: The common, non-technical term for the larynx.
• Glottis: This refers specifically to the part of the larynx consisting of the vocal cords and the opening between them. It is a component, not a perfect synonym.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Vocal cords / Vocal folds: The paired bands of tissue within the larynx that vibrate to produce sound.
  • The tension of the vocal cords is controlled by muscles in the larynx.
• Adam's apple: The common name for the laryngeal prominence, which is the visible projection of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, typically more prominent in males.

Noun

1. a cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea; contains elastic vocal cords that are the source of the vocal tone in speech