Larynx: Structure, Function, Muscles, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:41 PM IST

What Is Larynx?

Situated in the neck, the larynx or voice box accounts for a very critical organ of the respiratory and vocal apparatus. From its anatomy, and physiological functioning to clinical features, this is indeed exhaustively covered by medical and biological literature.

Anatomy Of The Larynx

The larynx is formed from cartilages (thyroid, cricoid, arytenoid and epiglottis), membranes and ligaments of the vocal cords and vestibular folds, and muscles-intrinsic and extrinsic. These structures are integrated to provide for respiration and make vocalizations possible.

Physiology of the Larynx

The larynx serves two primary functions:

Phonation: It contains the vocal cords that undergo vibration to produce sound.
Protection: It protects the airway passage by preventing ingress of solids and liquids during deglutition and also forms a barrier to the process of breathing.

Larynx: Structure, Function, Muscles, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Development And Growth

The larynx, during fetal development, passes through important phases of development, which through its structure, determines the changes in voice during puberty. It is during puberty, with its hormonal changes, that changes in vocal pitches are observed, just as ageing is bound to affect the structural integrity of the parts to change voice quality.

Clinical Significance And Disorders

The common disorders involving this structure are presented below:

Laryngitis: This is an inflammatory response mainly due to infection or overuse.
Vocal cord nodules and polyps: These are benign growths of tissue that impinge on the function of the vocal cords.
Cancer of the Larynx: This treatment should be instituted as early as possible to prevent complications.

Diagnostic measures can be by endoscopy, CT scans, MRI, and voice analysis to assess the condition of the larynx. Treatments may include conservative measures such as voice rest and medication in some cases, with operative procedures recorded for serious conditions.

Comparative Anatomy Optional

Comparative studies done throughout mammals show adaptations undergone due to evolution for the anatomical and functional features of the larynx.

Conclusion

It is therefore very important to have an integrative perspective concerning the larynx, from its anatomy and physiology down to its clinical implications, to progress in medical knowledge towards the goal of maintaining optimal vocal health throughout life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the larynx? What are its functions?

The larynx is the voice box responsible for phonation, which is the production of voice, together with protecting the airway during swallowing.

2. What are the major parts of the larynx?

This system houses the thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages, vocal cords, membranes, ligaments, and muscles.

3. How does the larynx contribute to speech production?

Exhaled air causes the vocal folds to vibrate, producing sound waves, which then form the speech.

4. What are some common disorders of the larynx?

The more prevalent disorders of this organ are laryngitis, nodules or polyps on the vocal cord, and cancer of the larynx.

5. How is laryngeal cancer diagnosed and treated?

The diagnosis involves imaging studies and endoscopy. Treatment will, therefore, be modified based on the stage of the disease with surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

6. What are the main cartilages that make up the larynx?

The larynx is composed of several cartilages, with the main ones being:

7. What is the relationship between the larynx and the hyoid bone?

The hyoid bone and larynx are closely related:

8. What is the difference between the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the larynx?

Extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the larynx differ in their location and function:

9. What is the glottis, and what is its role in the larynx?

The glottis is the opening between the vocal folds in the larynx. It serves two main functions:

10. How do the muscles of the larynx work together to produce speech?

The muscles of the larynx work in coordination to adjust the position, tension, and shape of the vocal folds for speech:

11. What is laryngitis, and what causes it?

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, often resulting in hoarseness or loss of voice. It can be caused by:

12. What is vocal cord paralysis, and what causes it?

Vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or both vocal folds cannot move properly. It can be caused by:

13. How does smoking affect the larynx and vocal folds?

Smoking can have several negative effects on the larynx and vocal folds:

14. What is laryngopharyngeal reflux, and how does it affect the larynx?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the larynx and pharynx. It affects the larynx by:

15. How does the larynx protect the lower respiratory tract from aspiration?

The larynx protects the lower respiratory tract from aspiration (inhaling food or liquid) through several mechanisms:

16. What is the function of the false vocal folds (ventricular folds)?

The false vocal folds, located above the true vocal folds, serve several functions:

17. How does the larynx contribute to the production of different voice registers?

The larynx produces different voice registers by adjusting the vocal folds:

18. How does the larynx contribute to pitch control in speech and singing?

The larynx controls pitch through several mechanisms:

19. How does the larynx change during puberty, and why?

During puberty, the larynx undergoes significant changes, especially in males:

20. How do hormones affect the larynx and voice production?

Hormones can significantly influence the larynx and voice production:

21. How does the larynx change with age?

The larynx undergoes several changes as we age:

22. What is laryngeal cancer, and what are its risk factors?

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the tissues of the larynx. Risk factors include:

23. How does the position of the larynx affect voice production?

The position of the larynx in the neck can significantly affect voice production:

24. How does the larynx contribute to sound production?

The larynx produces sound through the vibration of the vocal folds (vocal cords). When air from the lungs passes through the closed vocal folds, they vibrate, creating sound waves. The pitch and volume of the sound are controlled by adjusting the tension and position of the vocal folds.

25. How does the epiglottis protect the airway during swallowing?

During swallowing, the epiglottis, a leaf-shaped cartilage, folds backward to cover the opening of the larynx. This action prevents food and liquids from entering the airway and directs them into the esophagus instead. After swallowing, the epiglottis returns to its upright position, allowing normal breathing to resume.

26. What are the vocal folds, and how do they function?

Vocal folds, also called vocal cords, are two bands of muscle tissue stretched across the larynx. They vibrate when air passes through them, producing sound. The vocal folds can be adjusted in length and tension to change the pitch of the voice. When not producing sound, they remain open to allow for breathing.

27. How does the larynx help regulate airflow during breathing?

The larynx regulates airflow by adjusting the position of the vocal folds. During normal breathing, the vocal folds are relaxed and open, allowing air to pass freely. During speech or singing, the vocal folds close and vibrate to produce sound. The larynx can also quickly close the airway to prevent foreign objects from entering the lungs.

28. How does the nervous system control the functions of the larynx?

The larynx is controlled by both the central and peripheral nervous systems:

29. What is the larynx and where is it located?

The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a complex structure located in the neck. It sits at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and below the base of the tongue. The larynx plays a crucial role in breathing, speaking, and protecting the airway.

30. What is laryngospasm, and why does it occur?

Laryngospasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the laryngeal muscles that causes the vocal folds to close tightly. It occurs as a protective reflex to prevent foreign materials from entering the lungs. Causes include:

31. What is the role of the larynx in phonation onset?

The larynx plays a crucial role in phonation onset, which is the initiation of voice production:

32. What is the role of the larynx in the Valsalva maneuver?

The Valsalva maneuver is a forceful exhalation against a closed airway. The larynx plays a crucial role in this process:

33. How does the larynx contribute to the cough reflex?

The larynx plays a crucial role in the cough reflex:

34. What is the difference between voiced and voiceless sounds in relation to laryngeal function?

Voiced and voiceless sounds differ in how the larynx functions during their production:

35. How does the larynx adapt during high-intensity exercise?

During high-intensity exercise, the larynx adapts to meet increased respiratory demands:

36. What is laryngeal electromyography, and how is it used in diagnosing laryngeal disorders?

Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is a diagnostic technique that measures the electrical activity of laryngeal muscles. It is used to: