Laryngeal cleft
Laryngeal cleft is a rare abnormality of the separation between the larynx, or voice box, and the esophagus. When the larynx develops normally it is completely separate from the espophagus, so swallowed foods go directly into the stomach. A laryngeal cleft creates an opening between the larynx and the esophagus so food and liquid can pass through the larynx into the lungs.
