Final answer:
A laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx or voice box, which is an organ of the respiratory system containing the vocal cords crucial for speaking. The epiglottis in the larynx helps prevent food from entering the airways during swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The removal of the voice box is referred to as a laryngectomy. The larynx, more commonly known as the voice box, is an organ of the respiratory system situated between the pharynx and the trachea. It contains the vocal cords, which are essential for the production of vocal sounds. A laryngectomy is a surgical procedure where the larynx is removed, often due to conditions like cancer. The epiglottis, a structure within the larynx, plays a critical role during swallowing by closing over the trachea to prevent food from entering the airways. Conversely, during breathing, the epiglottis opens to allow air to pass into the larynx and then the lungs. The anatomy and function of the larynx are critical to understand when considering the impacts of a laryngectomy.