The larynx is located in the anterior neck between the C3-C6 vertebrae. It contains cartilages like the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis that form the framework. The larynx protects the airway and is involved in phonation. During development, the larynx descends from a high neck position in infants to the adult position by age 6. The recurrent laryngeal nerve innervates the intrinsic laryngeal muscles and damage to it can cause hoarseness. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx that causes hoarseness, pain and coughing. Laryngoscopy allows inspection of the larynx.