What is the voice box called, situated between the pharynx and trachea?

The voice box is aptly named the larynx, which is located between the pharynx and the trachea. This important anatomical structure serves several key functions. Primarily, the larynx is responsible for producing sound, which occurs as air passes over the vocal cords located within it. This is how we are able to speak and create various vocal sounds. Furthermore, the larynx plays a crucial role in protecting the airway during swallowing; it closes off during this process to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea and lungs.

Additionally, the larynx is structurally designed to facilitate both breathing and phonation. Its position and composition allow it to be flexible yet resilient, accommodating the movements needed for these functions. With features like the epiglottis, which acts as a flap to cover the larynx during swallowing, the larynx ensures both a safe swallowing process and effective sound production.

In contrast, the esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach, the pharynx is the throat area that connects the mouth and nasal passages to the larynx and esophagus, and the bronchus refers to the major air passages that branch out from the trachea