Main Entry: lar·ynx

Pronunciation: \ˈlar-iŋ(k)s\

Function: noun

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

: 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

[larynx illustration]