Larynx
Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.The larynx is the connection between the pharynx and the windpipe (trachea). It is a cartilaginous structure in the middle of the neck that separates the windpipe from the esophagus and closes the entrance to the windpipe when swallowing. It is also involved in the formation of voices and sounds and, with the vocal cords, is the actual sound generator. Read everything you need to know about the larynx!
What is the larynx
The larynx is the connecting piece between the pharynx and the windpipe. It consists of four cartilage parts:
- Thyroid cartilage: the anterior, palpable wall; visible in men as an “Adam's apple” on the outside of the neck;
- Cricoid cartilage: lies horizontally under the thyroid cartilage;
- Epiglottis: Is connected to the thyroid cartilage and closes the larynx entrance to the throat - so the food cannot get into the trachea when swallowing.
- Stellar cartilage: Connected to the cricoid cartilage via a joint;
Inside the larynx, roughly in the middle, are the vocal cords or vocal folds, which are necessary for speaking.
What is the function of the larynx?
The main function of the larynx is to reflexively close the airways. This vital function prevents foreign bodies from entering the lungs. In addition, the inside of the larynx is lined with a mucous membrane that has a ciliated epithelium. Through constant movement of the cilia, particles inhaled with the air are transported back upwards so that they can be coughed up.
Another function of the larynx is the adjustable voice formation via the vocal cords, which are stretched between the positioning and cricoid cartilage. When you breathe in, they are open and without tension; when you breathe out, they are tensed and made to vibrate by the air flow that is passing through them. The stronger the tension, the higher the tones that are produced.
Where is the larynx located?
The larynx is located below the hyoid bone in the middle of the neck, where it can be seen as a protrusion on the neck, especially in men. When swallowing, it moves, is pulled forward and up, and thus closes the windpipe. If this mechanism does not work, for example when speaking and swallowing at the same time, you “swallow”: saliva; Drinks or food then enter the windpipe.
In the infant, on the other hand, the larynx is higher in the throat, which means that breathing and drinking are possible at the same time.
What problems can the larynx cause?
As part of a flu-like infection by viruses, the larynx can become inflamed (laryngitis), which manifests itself primarily in hoarseness. Those affected often suffer from a runny nose (rhinitis) and an inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis) at the same time. Non-inflammatory irritation from dry, smoky air can also cause inflammation. Chronic inflammation can develop with heavy alcohol and nicotine consumption, dusty and dry air.
Pseudocroup is a swelling of the soft tissues below the vocal folds caused by viruses. It develops especially in children in whom the larynx is still very narrow.
Inflammation of the epiglottitis - usually caused by bacteria - also occurs predominantly in children and is associated with shortness of breath.
Anyone who suffers from hoarseness for more than three to four weeks should see an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT doctor). There may be a malignant tumor on the larynx (larynx cancer) behind it.
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