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larynx


larynx

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(A) Frontal view and (B) cutaway side view of the human larynx. The larynx is composed of cartilage …—© Merriam-Webster Inc.

Hollow, tubular structure connecting the pharynx with the trachea, through which air passes on the way to the lungs. The larynx consists of a framework of cartilage plates, with a ridge in front (Adam's apple); the epiglottis, a flaplike projection up into the throat that covers the airway during swallowing to keep food and liquid from entering; and the vocal cords, whose vibration produces the sound of the voice (see speech).

Variants of LARYNX

larynx or voice box

This entry comes from Encyclopædia Britannica Concise.
For the full entry on larynx, visit Britannica.com.

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