Pronunciation: [vˈɔ͡ɪs bˈɒks] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the organ that produces sound in humans is "voice box," also known as the larynx. The word is pronounced /vɔɪs bɑks/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the first syllable stressed. The "oi" in "voice" is pronounced as a diphthong /ɔɪ/, while the "a" in "box" is pronounced as a short /æ/. The "x" at the end of "box" represents the /ks/ sound, which is a combination of the "k" and "s" sounds.
The term "voice box" refers to a crucial anatomical structure found in humans and certain animals, also known as the larynx. It is a small, cartilaginous, and muscular organ situated in the neck region, specifically positioned between the pharynx (throat) and the trachea (windpipe). The primary function of the voice box is to facilitate speech and voice production.
An intricate combination of bones, cartilages, muscles, and tissues, the voice box houses the vocal cords within its framework. The vocal cords are flexible bands composed of mucous membrane folds that can open, close, or vibrate. During the process of speech, exhalation forces air through the opened vocal cords, causing them to vibrate and produce sound waves. These vibrations, when modified and shaped by the articulatory system, result in the formation of distinct sounds and words.
In addition to speech production, the voice box also plays a vital role in protecting the airways during swallowing. It houses the epiglottis, a leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the entrance to the larynx during the act of swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the respiratory tract.
Various factors such as age, health conditions, or external influences can affect the voice box, leading to changes in voice quality, pitch, or volume. Conditions like laryngitis, nodules, polyps, or tumors can impair the normal function of the voice box, resulting in voice disorders that may require medical intervention or therapeutic treatments.
Larynx.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "voice box" is a colloquial term that refers to the larynx, a part of the throat essential for speech production. The etymology of "voice box" is rather straightforward as it is a descriptive compound term. The word "voice" comes from the Old French "voiz" and the Latin "vox", both meaning "voice" or "sound". The word "box" in this context refers to a container or enclosure. Therefore, "voice box" basically means the container or enclosure for the voice, indicating the anatomical structure responsible for producing sound.
