Aryepiglottic folds

Aryepiglottic Folds

The aryepiglottic folds are a pair of folds of mucous membrane that extend from the lateral borders of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx. They form the upper borders of the quadrangular membrane, a fibroelastic sheet that extends from the lateral wall of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilage.

Anatomy

The aryepiglottic folds are composed of an outer layer of mucous membrane and an inner layer of connective tissue. They contain a small amount of muscle fibers, known as the aryepiglotticus muscle, which helps in closing the laryngeal inlet during swallowing to prevent aspiration of food into the trachea.

The folds also contain a number of lymphatic vessels and nerve fibers, which provide sensation and control to the area. The sensory innervation is provided by the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve.

Function

The primary function of the aryepiglottic folds is to protect the airway during swallowing. They do this by moving together to close off the laryngeal inlet, preventing food and liquid from entering the trachea. This is a crucial part of the swallowing reflex, which ensures that food and liquid are directed into the esophagus and not the airway.

In addition to their role in swallowing, the aryepiglottic folds also contribute to the production of sound in the larynx. They can tighten or loosen to change the shape and tension of the vocal cords, which in turn affects the pitch and volume of the voice.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities of the aryepiglottic folds can lead to a variety of clinical conditions. For example, inflammation or swelling of the folds can cause laryngeal obstruction, leading to difficulty breathing and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction. This can occur as a result of infection, allergic reaction, or trauma.

In addition, tumors can develop in the aryepiglottic folds, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma. These tumors can cause symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and weight loss. They are typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy.