What does laryngitis refer to?

Laryngitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the larynx, which is the structure in the throat responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing. This condition often results from infections, excessive use of the voice, or irritation from substances like smoke or allergens. When the larynx becomes inflamed, it can lead to symptoms such as hoarseness, loss of voice, or a sore throat, making this definition critical for understanding the underlying anatomy and physiology involved.

The other options, while related to throat or respiratory issues, do not accurately describe laryngitis. An infection of the throat is broader and can involve other areas, swelling of the vocal cords is a consequence that may occur during laryngitis but does not define it, and the insertion of a feeding tube into the trachea refers to a completely different medical procedure that is unrelated to laryngitis.