What is the opening into the larynx called?

The opening into the larynx is known as the glottis. The glottis comprises the vocal cords and the space between them, playing a critical role in sound production and the process of breathing. It is located at the superior end of the trachea and serves as a passage for air to enter the respiratory tract while also being involved in phonation.

The trachea is a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air to flow into the lungs, but it does not denote the opening of the larynx itself. The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and the mouth to the larynx and esophagus, serving as a pathway for both air and food but is not specifically the entry into the larynx. The esophagus is a separate tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach, also not related to air passage through the larynx. Thus, the glottis is uniquely designated for controlling airflow into the larynx and is key to both breathing and vocalization.