Which structure is commonly called the voice box and houses the vocal cords?

Which structure is commonly called the voice box and houses the vocal cords?

• A. Nasal Cavity
• B. Pharynx
• C. Oral Cavity
• D. Larynx

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is identifying the voice box: it’s the larynx, the structure that houses the vocal cords. Located in the neck, just below the pharynx and above the trachea, the larynx holds the vocal cords so air passing through the glottis makes them vibrate to produce sound. By adjusting the tension and length of the cords, you change pitch, which lets you speak or sing at different tones. The other regions—nasal cavity, pharynx, and oral cavity—serve as passages or spaces for air, food, and shaping sound, but they do not house the vocal cords.

The main concept here is identifying the voice box: it’s the larynx, the structure that houses the vocal cords. Located in the neck, just below the pharynx and above the trachea, the larynx holds the vocal cords so air passing through the glottis makes them vibrate to produce sound. By adjusting the tension and length of the cords, you change pitch, which lets you speak or sing at different tones. The other regions—nasal cavity, pharynx, and oral cavity—serve as passages or spaces for air, food, and shaping sound, but they do not house the vocal cords.