Larynx Anatomy: Cartilages and Function

• The posterior aspect of the lamina has superior and inferior projections called the superior and inferior horns.
• The anterior union of the lamina forms the laryngeal prominence, also called the Adam's apple.
• Just above the laryngeal prominence is the superior thyroid notch, where the laminae do not meet.
• The posterior aspect of the laryngeal prominence is the attachment point for the epiglottis.
• The leaf-shaped epiglottis stands out from other cartilages due to its elasticity, which allows movement.
• The epiglottis is covered with a mucous membrane.
• It projects superiorly and posteriorly behind the tongue.
• The epiglottis is attached to the thyroid cartilage via the thyroepiglottic ligament and to the hyoid bone via the hyoepiglottic ligament.
• During swallowing, the epiglottis folds back over the larynx in order to prevent liquids or sold food from entering the respiratory passageways.
• The paired arytenoid cartilages are shaped like pyramids and are situated at the posterior aspect of the larynx, just on top of the cricoid cartilage.
• The small, elastic, horn-shaped corniculate cartilages articulate with the superior surface of the arytenoid cartilages.
• The corniculate cartilages are involved in the movement of the vocal cords for sound production.
• The small, curved cuneiform cartilages lie within the folds of tissue termed the aryepiglottic folds, which extend between the lateral aspect of the arytenoid cartilage and epiglottis.
• The cricoid cartilage is a complete ring that forms the base of the larynx.
• The posterior portion of the cricoid cartilage is broader than the anterior portion.
• That posterior portion is where the other laryngeal cartilages rest.
• The cricoid cartilage marks the junction between the larynx and the trachea and the beginning of the esophagus.

Epiglottis Swelling

• Swelling of the epiglottis, caused by bacterial or viral infections, can be very dangerous (acute epiglottitis).
• This condition can result in direct blockage of the glottis and airway, leading to suffocation and death.

Larynx Inner Structures

• The larynx's inner structures include the false and true vocal cords and the aryepiglottic folds.
• The false and true vocal cords consist of two pairs of ligaments that extend from the arytenoid cartilages to the posterior laminal surface of the thyroid cartilage.
• The pairs are separated by the laryngeal ventricle.
• The superior pair of ligaments is called the vestibular folds or false vocal cords because they are not directly involved in the production of sound.
• The inferior pair is the true vocal cords.
• They are named accordingly for their involvement in the production of sound.
• The true vocal cords extend toward the midline in a closed position during phonation.
• During quiet respiration, the true vocal cords are in a relaxed position, creating an opening between them called the glottis.
• The glottis is the part of the larynx most directly involved with voice production.
• The aryepiglottic folds consist of tissue projecting off the arytenoid cartilages to the inferior margin of the epiglottis.
• These folds form the lateral margins of the entrance to the larynx.
• Located lateral to these folds, between the larynx and thyroid cartilage, are two mucosal pouches called the piriform sinuses.
• The piriform sinuses' medial borders form the lateral walls of the larynx.