Which part of the respiratory system is also known as the voice box?
A. Trachea
B. Pharynx
C. Larynx
D. Bronchi
Answer (1)
The answer is C. Larynx The larynx, commonly referred to as the voice box, is an essential organ in the respiratory system that also plays a crucial role in speech and sound production. It is located between the pharynx (throat) and the trachea (windpipe).The larynx houses the vocal cords — two bands of muscle tissue that vibrate to create sound when air passes through them. The pitch and tone of the voice are determined by the tension, length, and thickness of the vocal cords. This is why voices change during puberty — as the larynx grows, especially in males, the vocal cords become longer and thicker, leading to a deeper voice.Functions of the larynx include:Phonation – producing sound.Breathing – acting as a passage for air to move into the trachea and lungs.Protection – the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage at the top of the larynx, covers it during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway, which could cause choking.To distinguish:The pharynx is a shared passageway for food and air but doesn’t produce sound.The trachea carries air to the lungs but doesn’t house vocal cords.The bronchi are lower air passages leading to the lungs.Disorders of the larynx include laryngitis (inflammation), vocal cord nodules, and even laryngeal cancer. It is also affected by smoking and overuse.For students, learning about the larynx connects anatomy with practical experiences — like speaking, singing, coughing, and breathing. It’s a perfect example of how a single structure can serve multiple roles in human biology.
