Anatomy
Summary
The larynx is composed of cartilage held together by muscles and ligaments. The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage in the larynx, and the cricoid cartilage is the most inferior cartilage in the larynx, beyond which is the trachea. The larynx is involved in both respiratory and vocal functions, and the epiglottis prevents food or liquids from entering the airway during swallowing.
The larynx facilitates the ability to vocalize and communicate, and this involves precise regulation of the vocal cords via specific innervation pathways, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve. The recurrent laryngeal nerve innervates nearly all the muscles of the larynx; however, the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve innervates the cricothyroid muscle which tenses the vocal cords to create higher-pitched tones. The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve carries somatic sensation from the mucosa of the larynx above the vocal cords and serves as the afferent limb of the cough reflex.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are integral parts of the larynx. They are involved in the production of speech. When air is moved through the vocal cords, they vibrate and produce sound.
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve (CN X), providing innervation to the larynx. The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies most of the laryngeal muscles that control the movement of the vocal cords.
The superior laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) and divides into an external branch, innervating the cricothyroid muscle of the larynx, and an internal branch, carrying somatic sensation from the mucosa of the larynx above the vocal cords.
During swallowing, the epiglottis helps prevent food or liquids from entering the airway.
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