What is the Larynx?
The larynx sits between the pharynx and trachea, acting as both the body's sound-producing organ and a protective valve for the lower airway. Its rigid skeleton of nine cartilages, moved by intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, lets you speak, swallow safely, and control the pressure needed for coughing.
The larynx is a cartilage-and-muscle 'voice box' in the neck that houses the vocal folds, controls airflow to the lungs, and seals the airway during swallowing.
- •Thyroid – forms the laryngeal prominence
- •Cricoid – only complete cartilage ring, at C6
- •Epiglottis – folds over the airway when swallowing
- •Arytenoid – vocal fold attachment point
- •Corniculate – sits atop each arytenoid
- •Cuneiform – supports the aryepiglottic folds
Step-by-step worked examples
Where is an emergency cricothyrotomy performed and why?
Identify the cricothyroid membrane between the thyroid and cricoid cartilage It's superficial, avascular, and below the vocal folds An incision here rapidly secures the airway when oral intubation fails.
A patient's vocal folds cannot abduct on one side, causing hoarseness and risk of airway compromise. Which muscle is paralyzed?
Recall that the posterior cricoarytenoid is the sole abductor of the vocal folds It's innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve Damage during thyroid surgery can paralyze it The result is inability to open the airway on that side.
During swallowing, how does the larynx prevent aspiration?
The larynx elevates via the suprahyoid muscles The epiglottis tips posteriorly to cover the laryngeal inlet Vocal and vestibular folds adduct to seal the airway Food is diverted into the piriform recesses toward the esophagus.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which cartilage forms the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple)?
Q2.Which is the only muscle that abducts (opens) the vocal folds?
Q3.The cricothyroid membrane, used in emergency airway access, lies between which two cartilages?
Q4.Which nerve innervates most intrinsic laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid?
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Common mistakes
Thinking the larynx has only one cartilage (thyroid). — Correct: It has 9 cartilages — 3 unpaired and 3 paired.
Assuming any intrinsic muscle can open the vocal folds. — Correct: Only the posterior cricoarytenoid abducts them; all others adduct or tense.
Confusing the cricoid with the thyroid cartilage. — Correct: The cricoid is the complete ring below the thyroid cartilage, at C6.
Believing the epiglottis is a muscle. — Correct: It's elastic cartilage covered by mucosa, not muscle.
FAQ
What is the larynx?
The larynx is the cartilage-and-muscle 'voice box' in the neck that houses the vocal folds and enables phonation, airway protection, and breathing.
What cartilages make up the larynx anatomy?
Nine cartilages: the unpaired thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis, plus the paired arytenoid, corniculate, and cuneiform cartilages.
What muscles control the larynx?
Extrinsic muscles move the whole larynx up or down, while intrinsic muscles like the cricothyroid and posterior cricoarytenoid control vocal fold tension and position.
How does the larynx protect the airway when swallowing?
It elevates, the epiglottis folds over the inlet, and the vocal and vestibular folds adduct to seal the airway so food is diverted into the esophagus.