LARYNX - Anatomy

The larynx (voicebox), is an organ in the neck of mammals located at the beginning of the lower respiratory tract.

The larynx consists of four basic anatomic components: a cartilaginous skeleton, membranes and ligaments, muscles, and a mucosal lining.

The Cartilages:

Thyroid Cartilage

Cricoid Cartilage

Epiglottis

Arytenoid Cartilages

Corniculate Cartilages

Cuneiform Cartilages

Cartilages: anterior view (left), posterior view (middle) and lateral view (right).

Cartilages connected: anterior view (left), posterior view (middle) and lateral view (right).

Cricoid and arytenoids

Cartilages connected with ligaments and vocal ligament in place.

Cartilages connected with ligaments: anterior view (left), posterior view (middle) and sagital section (right).
note that vestibular ligament and cuniform cartilage in place.

The Membranes and ligaments:

Extrensic Membranes

Thyrohyoid

Cricotracheal

Intrensic Membranes

Cricothyroid

Fibroelastic Membrane

-Quadrangular M.

-Triangular M.

The Muscles:

Posterior CricoArytenoid

Lateral CricoArytenoid

InterArytenoid

-Transverse- Oblique- AryEpiglottic

ThyroArytenoid

-Main - Vocalis – Fan projection

Cricothyroid

Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle: outward rotation of the arytenoid (abduction of the vocal cord).

Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle: inward rotaion of the arytenoid (adduction of the vocal cord).

Inter arytenoid muscle: transverse, oblique & aryepiglotic parts: (adduction & close inlet).

Thyroarytenoid muscle: proper, vocalis & fan: (adduction, tension & open inlet).

Cricothyroid muscle: tension of the vocal cord.

The Mucous Membrane:

Nerve Supply:

Blood Supply: