In the last two articles we have looked at how the nose and mouth serve us. After their work is done, the throat (pharynx) takes over. Food on its journey from the mouth to the stomach passes through the pharynx. The pharynx is about five inches long and is connected to the tube (esophagus) that leads to the stomach. Air from the nose also travels down part of the pharynx on its way to the voice box (larynx) and then to the windpipe (trachea). So part of the pharynx is shared by both food and air.
At the point where the pharynx divides into two tubes, one taking air to the lungs and the other taking food to the stomach, the Creator has provided an amazing safety valve (epiglottis) to keep the air and food separate from each other. When no food is on the way, the valve allows the air to pass along to the voice box, windpipe and lungs, but it keeps it out of the food tube. But when food is present, this wonderful valve shuts off the part to the windpipe, and the food goes down the correct tube to the stomach. But not always. Sometimes when we laugh or talk while swallowing, food does accidentally enter the larynx, and then we choke until the food is removed by coughing.
The voice box (larynx) is an important part of the throat. It enables us to talk and sing. It has two vocal cords through which air from the lungs is forced when we talk. These cords are usually relaxed, but speaking or singing draws them close together, and as air is forced through, they vibrate to make a great variety of sounds. The amount of passing air and the tightness of the cords determine the sound. This means that when talking or singing, the cords have to change their tightness over and over instantaneously.
Of course, forming words and music also requires the use of the tongue, mouth and even our teeth. But how wonderful it is to think how all these cooperate to work so perfectly. Animals can make sounds, but they cannot speak or sing as we do. Birds can produce God-given melodies delightful to hear, but they cannot compose any other music. It is only mankind that has this ability, and that is because of the kindness of our Creator in making it possible.
When we consider all the ways God has provided for us, surely we should let our vocal cords bring forth songs and prayers of praise and thanksgiving to Him, as our opening verse tells us.
MAY 20, 2001
ML-05/20/2001