forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords in humans and other mammals; the voice box. Importance Larynx. An anatomical term for the modified upper part of the trachea (windpipe) of air- breathing animals. It is commonly known as the voice box in humans because of its importance of the creation of the voice. It contains the VOCAL CORDS or folds and influences voice quality. Functions The larynx houses the vocal folds, and manipulates pitch and volume, which is essential for phonation. It is situated just below where the tract of the pharynx splits into the trachea and the esophagus. Where is the larynx located? It is part of the respiratory system and is located between the pharynx and the trachea. Humans use the larynx to breathe, talk, and swallow. Its outter wall of cartilage forms the area in front of the neck referred to as the Adam’s apple. The vocal cords, two bands of muscle, form a V inside the larynx.