Introduction
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a part of the respiratory system located in the neck. It is a muscular tube that links the upper airway to the trachea and serves several important functions, primarily to produce vocal sounds. Anatomically, the larynx is composed of three cartilages, numerous muscles, and ligaments, which are held together by membranes and connective tissues. In this article, the definition, history, and characteristics of the larynx will be discussed, along with some references for further reading.
Definition
The larynx is a cartilaginous structure located in the neck, between the base of the tongue and the trachea. It is composed of three cartilages, the thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages, along with numerous muscles, ligaments, and membranes. The larynx is an important part of the respiratory system, as it serves to produce vocal sounds and protect the lower airway from foreign objects.
History
The larynx has been a subject of study since ancient times. The earliest known description of the larynx was by the Greek physician Hippocrates in the 5th century BC. He described the larynx as a “hollow tube” and noted its importance in speech production. In the 17th century, Italian anatomist Marcello Malpighi provided a more detailed description of the larynx, which included the three cartilages and the muscles that control the vocal cords. Since then, the larynx has been a subject of study in medical fields such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and surgery.
Characteristics
The larynx is composed of three cartilages, the thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages. The thyroid cartilage is the largest of the three and is located at the front of the neck. It is composed of two laminae that form an anterior “Adam’s apple”. The cricoid cartilage is the most posterior of the three and is shaped like a signet ring. The arytenoid cartilages are located posterior to the cricoid cartilage and are composed of two parts, the anterior vocal process and the posterior muscular process. The larynx also contains numerous muscles, including the thyroarytenoid, cricothyroid, and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles. These muscles are responsible for the movement of the vocal cords, which are two folds of tissue located in the larynx.
Conclusion
The larynx is an important part of the respiratory system, as it serves several important functions, primarily to produce vocal sounds and protect the lower airway from foreign objects. The larynx is composed of three cartilages, numerous muscles, and ligaments, which are held together by membranes and connective tissues. Further research is necessary to understand the full function and anatomy of the larynx.
References
Brodsky, L., & Fischbein, N. (1991). Anatomy and physiology of the larynx. Ear, Nose and Throat Journal, 70(4), 229-233.
Ferrara, S., & Reggiori, G. (2011). The larynx: anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Anatomy & Cell Biology, 44(4), 306-312.
Hippocrates. (2008). On the Nature of Man. In S. Straus (Ed.), Hippocratic Writings (pp. 38-43). London: Penguin Classics.
Liu, L., & Hillman, R. (2020). The larynx: Anatomy, physiology, and clinical considerations. American Journal of Otolaryngology, 41(3), 102024.
Malpighi, M. (1666). De Polypo cordis et laryngis. Commentarii in duas Epistolas D. Pauli ad Timotheum, 437-444.