ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The larynx is a cartilaginous skeleton, some ligaments, and muscles that move and stabilize it and a mucous membrane. The laryngeal skeleton is nine cartilages: the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, epiglottis, arytenoid cartilages, corniculate cartilages, and cuneiform cartilages.

Detailed explanation-2: -The cricoid cartilage serves to maintain airway patency, forms part of the larynx, and provides an attachment point for key muscles, ligaments, and cartilage, which function in the opening and closing the vocal cords for sound production.

Detailed explanation-3: -The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage of the larynx and is composed of hyaline cartilage. It sits beneath the hyoid bone to which it connects by the thyrohyoid membrane. Inferiorly it articulates with the cricoid cartilage.

Detailed explanation-4: -The larynx extends from the laryngopharynx and the hyoid bone to the trachea. The epiglottis, attached to the thyroid cartilage, is a very flexible piece of elastic cartilage that covers the opening of the trachea (see Figure). When in the “closed” position, the unattached end of the epiglottis rests on the glottis.

Detailed explanation-5: -The epiglottis attaches to the larynx inferiorly, angled superior and posteriorly to protect the airway from aspiration during swallowing.