What does the larynx do?

The larynx, also known as the voicebox, is a chamber at the top of the windpipe that uses two bands of muscle (vocal cords) to constrict and vibrate on exhalation, creating the human voice.

The larynx is protected by a mass of cartilage protruding at the front of the throat, known as the Adam's apple. Male's generally have a larger larynx than females; this causes the deeper male voice. The combination of different sizes of larynx and different mouth and jaw shapes allows for many variations in the human voice. Control of the sounds produced by the larynx is learned during infancy.