Larynx

The larynx is seen just behind the pharynx and the buccal cavity.This region is surrounded by cartilages(3 unpaired and 6 paired). These are interconnected by muscles and ligaments.The unpaired cartilages are the thyroid, cricoid and epiglottis. The thyroid cartilage is the largest. It is also known as the Adam’s apple.

The cricoid cartilage forms the base of the larynx. The other cartilages are placed above the cricoid. The epiglottis is attached to the thyroid. It projects as a free flap over the opening of the larynx. It prevents food particles from entering into the tracheal tube.

The ligaments inside the larynx form the vocal folds or vocal cords.The vocal cords and the openings between them are called the glottis. The vocal cords are involved with sound production. The air moving past the vocal cords make them to vibrate. Louder sounds are made by increasing the amplitude of vibrations. Frequency of the vibrations can be altered by changing the length of the vibrating segments of the vocal cords. The length is altered by muscles attached to the cartilage. Males usually have longer vocal cords than

females. The sound made by the vocal cords can be altered by the tongue, lips and teeth to form words.