- Larynx: cartilaginous voice box (organ of phonation), the upper expanded part of the lower respiratory tract, acting as a sphincter to protect the trachea and bronchial tree.
- Extends from the root of the tongue to the trachea, opposite C3 to C6 vertebrae; lies a little higher in children and females.
Cartilages of the Larynx
Cartilages of the larynx
Cartilage
Thyroid
- Paired?
- Unpaired
- Composition
- Hyaline, ossifies after 25y
- Key feature
- Two laminae; thyroid angle 90° (male), 120° (female); forms the Adam's apple
Cricoid
- Paired?
- Unpaired
- Composition
- Hyaline, ossifies after 25y
- Key feature
- Signet-ring shaped; at the level of C6 vertebra; foundation stone of the larynx
Epiglottis
- Paired?
- Unpaired
- Composition
- Elastic, does not ossify
- Key feature
- Leaf-shaped; upper end forms the upper boundary of the laryngeal inlet
Arytenoid
- Paired?
- Paired
- Composition
- Base hyaline, apex elastic
- Key feature
- Pyramidal; muscular process (lateral) and vocal process (anterior)
Corniculate (of Santorini)
- Paired?
- Paired
- Composition
- Elastic, does not ossify
- Key feature
- Articulates with the arytenoid apex; lies in the aryepiglottic fold
Cuneiform (of Wrisberg)
- Paired?
- Paired
- Composition
- Elastic, does not ossify
- Key feature
- Rod-shaped; lies above the corniculate cartilage in the aryepiglottic fold