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What is Phonation

= voice production through vocal fold vibration

vocal fold are

the sound source

VF vibration folds act as valve

aerodynamic and elastic forces drive vibration

Biological Functions of Larynx

airway protection, coughing, thoracic fixation

Speech Functions of Larynx

voicing, pitch control, loudness modulation

speech is an overlaid function

Where is the larynx located?

In the anterior neck, C3 C6 region.

What structure does the larynx sit superior to?

Trachea.

What structure does the larynx sit inferior to?

Pharynx.

What is the larynx suspended from?

Hyoid bone

What two systems is the larynx a part of?

Both respiratory and vocal tract

What is the composition of the laryngeal framework?

Composed of cartilages held by ligaments and membrane

What vertebral levels does the laryngeal framework extend from?

C3 C6 vertebral levels

To what structures is the laryngeal framework attached?

Attached to hyoid bone and trachea

What is the function of the laryngeal framework?

Provides structural support for phonation and airway protection

Hyoid Bone Suspends

larynx and anchors tongue muscle

Only bone in the body not attached to another bone

Hyoid Bone

Serves as attachment point for multiple muscles

Hyoid Bone

Articulates with cricoid cartilage at cricothyroid joint

Thyroid Cartilage

Largest laryngeal cartilage

Thyroid Cartilage

Forms anterior and lateral walls of larynx

Thyroid Cartilage

Thyroid Cartilage Landmarks Landmarks:

thyroid laminae, angle, notch, and superior/inferior horns

Where does the cricoid cartilage sit?

Below the thyroid, atop the trachea

What shape is the cricoid cartilage?

Ring shaped: narrow anteriorly, taller posteriorly

What does the cricoid cartilage provide a base for?

Arytenoids and thyroid movement

What does the cricoid cartilage support?

Vocal fold positioning

What shape are the arytenoid cartilages?

Pyramid shaped

What type of cartilage are the arytenoids?

Paired cartilages

Where are the arytenoid cartilages located?

On the cricoid cartilage

What processes do the arytenoid cartilages have for muscle attachment?

Vocal and muscular processes

What is the function of the arytenoid cartilages?

Allow movement for vocal fold adduction and abduction

What are the small extensions that sit atop the arytenoids called?

Corniculate cartilages

What shape is the epiglottis?

Leaf shaped cartilage

What does the epiglottis do during swallowing?

Elevates and folds over laryngeal inlet

What is one function of the epiglottis?

Aids in airway protection

How is the epiglottis anchored?

Anchored to hyoid via hyoepiglottic ligament

Where are corniculate cartilages located?

Corniculates sit atop arytenoids.

Where are cuneiform cartilages located?

Cuneiforms are embedded within aryepiglottic folds.

What is the function of cuneiform and corniculate cartilages?

They provide structure to soft tissue of the laryngeal inlet.

How do cuneiform and corniculate cartilages support the airway?

They help stiffen and support the airway opening.

What type of joint is the Cricothyroid Joint?

Synovial joint

Which two cartilages form the Cricothyroid Joint?

Thyroid and cricoid cartilages

What movement does the Cricothyroid Joint allow?

Allows thyroid to rock forward/down

How does the Cricothyroid Joint affect vocal folds?

Lengthens and tenses vocal folds, increasing pitch

Which muscle controls the Cricothyroid Joint?

Cricothyroid muscle

Thyroid, Cricoid, Epiglottis are what?

Unpaired

Arytenoid, Corniculate, Cuneiform are what?

Paired

Key joints

Cricothyroid (pitch), Cricoarytenoid (glottal movement)

Framework enables

protection and phonation

Two Laryngeal Membranes categories

extrinsic and intrinsic

Laryngeal Membranes connect what?

connect laryngeal cartilages and external structures

Extrinsic attaches what?

attach larynx to surrounding structures

Intrinsic connects what?

interconnect laryngeal cartilages, support vocal folds

Thyrohyoid membrane connect how?

connects thyroid to hyoid

Cricotracheal membrane connects?

connects cricoid to trachea

Median and lateral thyrohyoid ligaments reinforce what?

reinforce thyrohyoid membrane

Extrinsic Membranes and Ligaments supports what?

laryngeal positioning and movement

Quadrangular membrane

forms false vocal folds (vestibular folds)

Conus elasticus

forms vocal ligament (true vocal folds)

Aryepiglottic folds

upper extension of quadrangular membrane

Intrinsic Membranes and Ligaments support what?

Support internal laryngeal structure and function

True vocal folds are what?

vibration source for phonation

False vocal folds are what?

superior to true folds, no phonation role