Larynx (Voice Box) - Cartilage, Ligaments, Joints, Wall, Cavity | Anatomy

Summary

In this educational video, Meditay explores the anatomy of the larynx, a crucial component of the respiratory system. The larynx, situated between the hyoid bone and the trachea, is composed of six cartilages that facilitate both breathing and voice production. Key cartilages include the unpaired epiglottis, thyroid, and cricoid, along with the paired arytenoid, corniculate, and cuneiform. The video delves into the larynx's structure, highlighting its layers, muscles, and the distinctive Laryngeal cavity, which includes the laryngeal ventricles and the vocal cords responsible for phonation.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The respiratory system includes the Nose, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi, and Lungs, with the Larynx being the focus of this segment.
• 📍 The Larynx is situated between the Hyoid Bone and the Trachea, in front of the Esophagus, and is aligned with the 4th to 6th-7th Cervical Vertebrae.
• 🗣️ The Larynx, also known as the 'Voice Box', serves dual functions: as an air passage and as a sound producer through the process of Phonation.
• 🦴 The Larynx is composed of 6 cartilages: 3 unpaired (Epiglottis, Thyroid, Cricoid) and 3 paired (Arytenoid, Corniculate, Cuneiform).
• 🔗 The connections within the Larynx are either continuous (Thyrohyoid membrane, Cricothyroid membrane) or discontinuous (synovial joints like Cricoarytenoid articulation).
• 🏼‍🔬 The Laryngeal walls consist of four layers: Tunica Mucosa, Tela Submucosa, Cartilage and Muscle Layer, and Tunica Adventitia, each with distinct characteristics and functions.
• 🎙️ The Vocal Cords are a critical part of the Larynx, made up of the Vocal Ligament and lined with epithelium that can withstand strain for speech.
• 💡 The Laryngeal Cavity is divided into the Laryngeal Vestibule, Glottis, and Infraglottic cavity, with the Glottis further divided into intermembranous and intercartilaginous parts.
• 👥 The muscles of the Larynx are categorized by their function: opening/narrowing the laryngeal inlet, adjusting the Rima Glottidis, and acting directly on the Vocal Cords.
• 🔊 The Laryngeal Vestibule and Vocal Cords are key to speech production, with the Laryngeal ventricles acting as resonators to enhance vocal quality.

Q & A

What are the primary functions of the larynx?

The larynx serves as an air passage, allowing air to flow into the lungs, and it is also known as the voice box because it produces sound through a process called phonation.

What are the key cartilages that make up the larynx?

The larynx is composed of six types of cartilages: three unpaired (Epiglottis, Thyroid cartilage, Cricoid cartilage) and three paired (Arytenoid cartilage, Corniculate cartilage, Cuneiform cartilage).

What is the Laryngeal Prominence, and what is its significance?

The Laryngeal Prominence, also known as Adam's apple, is formed by the meeting of the right and left laminas of the thyroid cartilage. It is a noticeable structure in the neck.

How does the epiglottis function in relation to the respiratory and digestive systems?

The epiglottis closes off the respiratory system during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway and opens up when breathing to allow air to pass through.

What are the two types of articulations found in the larynx?

The larynx has continuous and discontinuous articulations. Continuous articulations include cartilaginous and fibrous connections, while discontinuous articulations are synovial joints.

What is the purpose of the vocal ligament in the larynx?

The vocal ligament, formed by the upper margin of the Conus Elasticus, is a part of the vocal cord and plays a crucial role in phonation by vibrating to produce sound.

What is the difference between the intermembranous and intercartilaginous parts of the larynx?

The intermembranous part of the larynx is the anterior 3/5 of the glottis, situated between membranes, while the intercartilaginous part is the posterior 2/5, located between cartilages.

What is the role of the laryngeal ventricles in voice production?

The laryngeal ventricles act as resonators, enhancing the sound produced during phonation by the vocal cords.

How does the cricothyroid muscle affect the tension of the vocal cord?

The cricothyroid muscle, when contracted, pulls the thyroid cartilage forward, thereby tensing the vocal ligament and affecting the pitch of the voice.

What is the significance of the Tunica Adventitia in the larynx?

The Tunica Adventitia is a tough connective tissue covering that consists mainly of dense collagen fibers, providing structural support and protection to the larynx.