larynx

lar·ynx

noun \ˈler-iŋ(k)s, ˈla-riŋ(k)s\

plural la·ryn·ges \lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ or lar·ynx·es

Definition of LARYNX

: the modified upper part of the trachea of air-breathing vertebrates that in humans, most other mammals, and some amphibians and reptiles contains the vocal cords

Origin of LARYNX

New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek

First Known Use: 1578

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

lar·ynx

noun \ˈlar-iŋ(k)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; la·ryn·ges \lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ (audio pronunciation)or ; lar·ynx·es

Medical Definition of LARYNX

: the modified upper part of the respiratory passage of air-breathing vertebrates that is bounded above by the glottis, is continuous below with the trachea, has a complex cartilaginous or bony skeleton capable of limited motion through the action of associated muscles, and in humans, most other mammals, and a few lower forms has a set of elastic vocal cords that play a major role in sound production and speech—called also voice box

Illustration of LARYNX

larynx

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

(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