Larynx Cancer »
What is 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.
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. ...
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