The
larynx (plural
larynges; from the
Greek λάρυγξ
lárynx), commonly called the
voice box, is an
organ in the
neck of
amphibians,
reptiles, and
mammals involved in breathing, sound production, and protecting the
trachea against food aspiration. It manipulates
pitch and
volume. The larynx houses the
vocal folds (vocal cords), which are essential for
phonation. The vocal folds are situated just below where the tract of the
pharynx splits into the trachea and the
oesophagus.