Larynx

anatomy of larynx

1. LARYNX

2. It extends from the root of the tongue → trachea. Location : in front of the 3rd to 6th cervical vertebrae . higher in children and females.

3. Laryngeal Cartilages

4. Paired Unpaired Thyroid Cricoid Epiglottis Arytenoid Cuneiform Corniculate

5. THYROID CARTILAGE Hyaline cartilage Largest cartilage .

6. Consist of 2 quadrilateral laminae , which are fused anteriorly an angle called Thyroid Angle. The angle measures 90° (acute) in males and 120° (obtuse) in females.

7. The thyroid angle is prominent in males and it is responsible for prominence on the front of the neck called ADAM’S APPLE. ( laryngeal prominence )

8. The posterior border of each lamina extends  superiorly and inferiorly to form the  superior and  inferior horns  (also known as cornu ). The superior horns are connected to the hyoid bone via the lateral thyrohyoid ligament, while the inferior horns articulate with the cricoid cartilage.

9. The posterior border of each lamina is free and prolonged upwards and downwards as superior and inferior horns . It provides conjoined insertion to 3 muscles : Palatopharyngeus . Salpingopharyngeus . Stylopharyngeus .

10. Ant. arch

11. CRICOID CARTILAGE This is a signet-shaped ring of cartilage with a narrow anterior arch and a broad posterior lamina. The  cricoid cartilage is situated at the level of C6 vertebra and entirely encircles the lumen of the larynx .

12. EPIGLOTTIS The epiglottis is a  leaf shaped  plate of  elastic cartilage  which marks the entrance to the larynx. During swallowing, the epiglottis flattens and moves posteriorly to close off the larynx and prevent aspiration.

13. Epiglottis Its broad upper end is free while the lower end (stalk) is pointed and joined to the posterior part of thyroid angle by thyroepiglottic ligament.

14. ARYTENOID CARTILAGES Each arytenoid cartilage is pyramidal cartilage. Presents an apex, base, three surfaces (posterior, anterolateral , and medial), and two processes — muscular and vocal.

15. Apex  – articulates with the corniculate cartilage. Base  – articulates with the superior border of the cricoid cartilage .

16. The base is prolonged anteriorly to form the vocal process and laterally to form the muscular process . Vocal process  – provides attachment for the vocal ligament. Muscular process  – provides attachment for the cricoarytenoid muscle.

17. CORNICULATE CARTILAGE The corniculate cartilages are minor cartilaginous structures . They articulate with the apices of the arytenoid cartilages.

18. CUNEIFORM CARTILAGES The cuneiform cartilages are located folds just above the corniculate cartilages . They have no direct attachment, but act to strengthen the folds.