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What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Larynx
    Posted: 05/05/2003
The Larynx

The larynx is an organ at the front of your neck. It is also called the voice box. It is about 2 inches long and 2 inches wide. It is above the windpipe (trachea). Below and behind the larynx is the esophagus.

The larynx has two bands of muscle that form the vocal cords. The cartilage at the front of the larynx is sometimes called the Adam’s apple.

The larynx has three main parts:

  • The top part of the larynx is the supraglottis.

  • The glottis is in the middle. Your vocal cords are in the glottis.

  • The subglottis is at the bottom. The subglottis connects to the windpipe.

Illustration shows the main parts of the larynx (supraglottis, glottis, subglottis, Adam's apple) and trachea.
This picture shows the main parts of the larynx.

Illustration shows the epiglottis, trachea, and vocal cords.
This picture shows how the larynx looks from above. It is what the doctor can see with a mirror.

The larynx plays a role in breathing, swallowing, and talking. The larynx acts like a valve over the windpipe. The valve opens and closes to allow breathing, swallowing, and speaking:

  • Breathing: When you breathe, the vocal cords relax and open. When you hold your breath, the vocal cords shut tightly.

  • Swallowing: The larynx protects the windpipe. When you swallow, a flap called the epiglottis covers the opening of your larynx to keep food out of your lungs. The food passes through the esophagus on its way from your mouth to your stomach.

  • Talking: The larynx produces the sound of your voice. When you talk, your vocal cords tighten and move closer together. Air from your lungs is forced between them and makes them vibrate. This makes the sound of your voice. Your tongue, lips, and teeth form this sound into words.

Diagram of larynx, esophagus, epiglottis, trachea, lung, and stomach. Schematic showing the epiglottis and vocal cords open and closed.
This picture shows the larynx and the normal pathways for air and food.



Glossary Terms

cartilage (KAR-tih-lij)
A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body.
epiglottis (ep-ih-GLAH-tis)
The flap that covers the trachea during swallowing so that food does not enter the lungs.
esophagus (ee-SAH-fuh-gus)
The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.
glottis (GLAH-tis)
The middle part of the larynx; the area where the vocal cords are located.
larynx (LAYR-inks)
The area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking. Also called voice box.
organ
A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.
subglottis (SUB-glot-is)
The lowest part of the larynx; the area from just below the vocal cords down to the top of the trachea.
supraglottis (SOO-pra-GLOT-is)
The upper part of the larynx (voice box), including the epiglottis; the area above the vocal cords.
trachea (TRAY-kee-uh)
The airway that leads from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi (large airways that lead to the lungs). Also called windpipe.