Pharynx and Larynx

The air then passes from the throat, or the pharynx, through a hollow part called the larynx, also known as the "voice box". The larynx is filled with tightly stretched connective tissues called the vocal cords. Whenever air passes through the vocal chords, they vibrate and produce sound. They play a major role in speech production. The epiglottis, a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage connected to the upper part of the larynx, prevents food from going to the lungs during swallowing by closing off the entrance to the larynx.