On the two preceding pages we have looked into the services given to our bodies by the nose and mouth. After their work is done the throat (pharynx) takes over. About five inches long, it is located about seven inches from our lips and connected to the esophagus (down which food travels) and to the windpipe (through which air moves to the lungs).
At that point where the throat divides into two tubes, the Creator has provided an amazing safety valve (epiglottis) to keep the air and food separate from each other. Both begin their journeys sharing the pharynx, but where they separate the air passage going to the front and the food tube behind it—there is the safety valve to make sure the right material goes into each one. When no food is on the way, the valve allows the air to pass along to the windpipe and lungs, but 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 on down to the stomach. Otherwise there would be some real problems.
This part of the body is one of the wonders of God's creation and could never come about by so-called evolution. How interesting that the valve doesn't have to be told, but just opens and closes at exactly the right time!
The larynx, also called the voice box, is an important part of the throat. It is from there that our voices and songs originate. Within it „ are 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 air forced through and the degree of tightness of the cords determine just what sound will be heard, so that when talking or singing, these have to change their tightness over and over instantaneously.
Of course the forming of 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 may grunt, moo, squeal, etc., but 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 He has provided for us, surely we should respond to Him as our opening verse expresses and serve Him with gladness, letting our vocal cords bring forth songs and prayers of praise and thanksgiving.