What are the main functions of the larynx?

The larynx serves four key functions: phonation (voice production), respiration (air passage), protection of the airway from foreign materials, and deglutition (swallowing). Its primary role is protective.

What are the cartilages that make up the laryngeal skeleton?

The laryngeal skeleton consists of three unpaired and three paired cartilages. Unpaired: Thyroid, Cricoid, Epiglottis. Paired: Arytenoid, Corniculate, Cuneiform. The thyroid cartilage forms the laryngeal shield, while the cricoid cartilage provides the base.

How do the intrinsic muscles of the larynx control vocal cord movement?

Intrinsic muscles perform specific actions: Abduction by posterior cricoarytenoid (the 'safety muscle'), adduction by lateral cricoarytenoid and transverse arytenoid, tension by cricothyroid and vocalis, and relaxation by thyroarytenoid. They work together for phonation and airway protection.

What is the nerve supply to the larynx and what happens if these nerves are injured?

Motor innervation comes from the recurrent laryngeal nerve for all intrinsic muscles except cricothyroid, and the external laryngeal nerve for the cricothyroid muscle. Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve causes hoarseness (unilateral) or airway obstruction (bilateral), while external laryngeal nerve injury weakens high-pitch voice.

What are the subdivisions of the laryngeal cavity?

The laryngeal cavity is divided into three regions: Vestibule (from inlet to vestibular folds), Ventricle (between vestibular and vocal folds, containing the saccule), and Infraglottic (from vocal folds to cricoid cartilage).

Why is the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle called the 'safety muscle'?

The posterior cricoarytenoid is the sole abductor of the vocal cords, opening the airway for breathing. Its paralysis can lead to airway obstruction, making it critical for respiratory safety.

How does the larynx differ between males and females?

Key differences include larger size in males (44x43x36 mm vs. 36x41x26 mm in females), a sharper thyroid angle (90° vs. 120°) forming the Adam's apple, and rapid growth at puberty in males leading to deeper voices.

Larynx (Voice Box) – Cartilages, Muscles & Phonation

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