Table of Contents
What is Larynx?
Larynx – Position: The larynx is a cartilaginous organ in the neck that contains the vocal cords. It is responsible for producing sound in speech and singing. The larynx is also involved in swallowing and protecting the airway.
Thyroid Cartilage
The larynx is a cartilaginous structure that forms the anterior portion of the neck. It is composed of the thyroid cartilage, the cricoid cartilage, and the arytenoid cartilages. The thyroid cartilage is the largest and most superior cartilage and is responsible for the shape of the anterior neck. The cricoid cartilage is the most inferior and smallest cartilage. The arytenoid cartilages are medial to the thyroid cartilage and are responsible for the movement of the vocal cords.The thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage are unpaired cartilages. The arytenoid cartilages are paired cartilages.
Position of Larynx
The position of the larynx is variable and changes with the pitch of the voice. In men, the larynx is positioned higher in the throat than in women. In children, the larynx is located at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra, but it drops lower as puberty approaches.
Larynx Structure
The larynx is a structure in the throat that contains the vocal cords. The vocal cords are two thin bands of muscle that vibrate to produce sound. The larynx is also responsible for controlling the flow of air into and out of the lungs.
Paired Cartilages
Two cartilages form the larynx: the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. The thyroid cartilage, or Adam’s apple, is the larger and more prominent cartilage. It forms the anterior part of the larynx and is attached to the hyoid bone. The cricoid cartilage is the smaller and more posterior cartilage. It forms the posterior part of the larynx and is attached to the thyroid cartilage.
Thyroid Cartilage
The thyroid cartilage is a thin, C-shaped piece of cartilage that is part of the larynx, or voice box. It is located at the front of the throat, just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid cartilage helps to protect the larynx and helps to produce the voice.
Cricoid Cartilage
The cricoid cartilage is a piece of cartilage located in the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage. It is the smallest and most inferior cartilage in the larynx and helps to form the laryngeal inlet. The cricoid cartilage is also responsible for anchoring the vocal cords and helps to protect the airway.
Role of Larynx Muscle in Human:
- The larynx muscle is responsible for controlling the movement of the larynx, which is the organ in the throat that houses the vocal cords.
- The larynx muscle is responsible for opening and closing the vocal cords, which is what allows us to speak and sing. The larynx muscle is also responsible for controlling the pitch and volume of our voices.
Larynx Function
- The larynx is a cartilaginous structure that lies at the top of the trachea and is responsible for producing sound.
- The larynx contains the vocal cords, which are two bands of elastic tissue that vibrate to produce sound.
- The larynx also contains the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage that covers the opening of the trachea to prevent food and liquid from entering the lungs.
