Anatomy Exam 2- Larynx 19

Larynx is a

cartilaginous organ located at the superior end of the trachea

The larynx functions as a

1. valve to guard air passages, especially during swallowing food

2. maintaining an open air passage

3. vocalization

4 major types of cartilages comprising the larynx 

1. Thyroid cartilage

2. Cricoid cartilage

3. Arytenoid cartilages 

4. Epiglottic cartilages

Thyroid cartilage 

• largest cartilages of the larynx

• composed of two flat plates termed laminae which fuse anteriorly and diverge posteriorly

  • Fuse anteriorly= laryngeal prominence (Adam’s apple)

  • Superior border= palpable superior thyroid notch

  • superior horn attaches via ligaments to the hyoid bone

  • inferior horn articulates with the cricoid cartilages

  • lateral surface is crossed by an oblique line to which the strap muscles of the back attach

Cricoid cartilage

complete ring of cartilage that forms a shape similar to a ring; its posterior part is in the form of a flat plate, the lamina, whereas its anterior narrow part is called the arch which lies at the level of C6

• upper border articulates with the arytenoid cartilages 

• lower border is connected to the first ring of the trachea via the cricotracheal ligament

Arytenoid cartilages

pair of cartilages located at the upper border of the lamina and the cricoid cartilages

• each is pyramidal with an apex above and a base below

• the base has 2 processes

  • Vocal process: extends forward from the base and serves as the attachment for the vocal ligament

  • Muscular process: extends laterally and serves as an attachment for the muscles of the larynx