Speech Science: The Larynx

Larynx

• Controls airflow in and out of lungs
  • Protects lungs from foreign bodies
  • Aids during swallowing (especially in humans: larynx is just anterior to esophagus)
  • Increases intrathoracic pressure during exertion, coughing, and other bodily functions, valsalvamaneuver
  • Provides sound source for speech

Unpaired Cartilages

• Thyroid Cartilage

• Cricoid Cartilage

• Epiglottis

Paired Cartilages

• Arytenoids

• Corniculates

• Cuneiform

Cricothyroid/Cricoarytenoid

Moveable joints that connect thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages

Attributes of Intrinsic Muscles

• Interconnect the cartilages

• Fien control of phonation

• All paired(but with caution)

• Abduction and Adduction

Extrinsic Muscles

Adjust and stabilize overall laryngeal position so that the intrinsic muscles can exert their forces

True Vocal Folds

They lie inferior to the false folds

What are the vocal seperated by?

by the ventricle