Laryngeal cavity

Laryngeal Cavity

The Laryngeal Cavity is a part of the respiratory system that plays a crucial role in breathing and voice production. It is located in the neck, just below the pharynx and in front of the esophagus.

Anatomy

The laryngeal cavity is divided into three sections: the vestibule, the ventricle, and the infraglottic cavity.

Vestibule

The vestibule is the uppermost part of the laryngeal cavity, located between the laryngeal inlet and the vocal folds. It houses the epiglottis, a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Ventricle

The ventricle is a narrow, elongated cavity located between the vestibule and the infraglottic cavity. It contains the vestibular fold, also known as the false vocal cord, which helps to close the larynx during swallowing.

Infraglottic Cavity

The infraglottic cavity is the lowermost part of the laryngeal cavity, extending from the vocal folds to the cricoid cartilage. It leads directly into the trachea.

Function

The laryngeal cavity plays a vital role in breathing, swallowing, and voice production. During breathing, the vocal folds are open, allowing air to pass through the larynx and into the trachea. During swallowing, the epiglottis closes off the larynx to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea. The vocal folds vibrate to produce sound for speech.

Clinical Significance

Conditions that can affect the laryngeal cavity include laryngitis, laryngeal cancer, and vocal cord paralysis. Symptoms of these conditions can include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.

Diagram of the larynx, showing the location of the laryngeal cavity.

See Also

• Larynx
• Respiratory System
• Vocal Folds

External Links

• MedlinePlus: Laryngeal Disorders