Larynx

Larynx: Also known as the voice box, located in the throat, connecting the pharynx to the trachea.

Function: Responsible for voice production, airway protection, and breathing regulation.

Location: Positioned in the neck, between the base of the tongue and the top of the trachea.

Cartilage Structures:

• • Thyroid Cartilage: Largest cartilage, forms the “Adam’s apple.”
  • Cricoid Cartilage: Ring-shaped, located below the thyroid cartilage, providing structural support.
  • Epiglottis: Leaf-shaped cartilage that closes over the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the airway.
  • Arytenoid Cartilages: Paired cartilages that anchor the vocal cords and control their tension.

Vocal Cords: Bands of muscle and connective tissue that vibrate to produce sound as air passes through.

Muscles: Intrinsic muscles control vocal cord movement and tension, while extrinsic muscles stabilize the larynx.

Nerve Supply: Primarily innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal nerve, branches of the vagus nerve.

Function in Speech: Vibrating vocal cords produce sounds; pitch is controlled by adjusting vocal cord tension.

Protection Mechanism: The epiglottis closes over the larynx during swallowing to prevent aspiration.