LARYNX -

• Study of larynx is known as Laryngeology. In man it is more prominent than woman known as Adam's apple.
• It is sound producing organ. At its base trachea present. It is modification of trachea.
• It is situated at 4th, 5th, 6th position of cervical vertebrae. Glottis opens into it.
• Glottis is covered by epiglottis, it allows only air, not food to enter into it.

• Wall of larynx is supported by four cartilages.
• A broad C-shaped thyroid cartilage supports in the front and sides.
• A pair of small triangular aretenoid strengthen its back wall.
• Each aretenoid bears a node at its upper end i.e., cartilage of santorini.
• A ring like cricoid cartilage present at base.
• A thyroid membrane extends between the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage.
• Inside the larynx are 2 pairs of vocal cord, made up of stratified squamous epithelium.
• Upper pair is small and false. Lower pair is large and true.
• In male 2-3 cms long, in female 1.7 cm long.
• For the production of sound, the vocal cords are brought parallel and closer to each other by the action of laryngeal muscles.
• Now a current of air is passed through them under pressure from the lungs.
• This sets the vocal cords into vibration. Which results in the production of sound.
• Buccal cavity, soft palate and tongue assist in speech.