Which structure located in the throat holds the vocal cords?

• A. Bronchi
• B. Pleura
• C. Larynx
• D. Alveoli

Answer: (C)

The larynx is the structure in the throat that houses the vocal cords. It sits just below the pharynx and above the trachea in the neck, often called the voice box. Inside the larynx are the vocal folds; when air from the lungs passes through them, they vibrate to produce sound. The larynx also helps protect the airway during swallowing via the epiglottis and adjusts tension to change pitch and loudness.

Bronchi are the main airways that carry air into the lungs and are located lower in the respiratory tract. Pleura is the membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest wall. Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. None of these structures contains the vocal cords.