Larynx
(Redirected from Laryngologist)
The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is a vital organ situated in the human throat. It serves as the primary source of vocal production and plays an essential role in the respiratory system by safeguarding the airway from foreign objects, particularly during swallowing.
Anatomy and Structure[edit | edit source]
The larynx is a complex structure made up of cartilages, muscles, and membranes. The major components include:
- Thyroid cartilage: Often referred to as the Adam's apple, especially prominent in males.
- Cricoid cartilage: A ring-like structure located below the thyroid cartilage.
- Epiglottis: A leaf-shaped flap that prevents food and liquids from entering the trachea (windpipe) during swallowing.
- Vocal cords (Vocal Folds): These are muscular structures that vibrate to produce sound when air from the lungs passes through them.
Functions[edit | edit source]
The larynx performs several pivotal functions:
- Voice production: When we speak or sing, air from the lungs is pushed out and causes the vocal cords to vibrate. This vibration produces sound. The pitch and volume of the voice can be modified by adjusting the tension and length of the vocal cords.
- Breathing: The larynx aids in the passage of air to the lungs.
- Protection: A crucial function of the larynx, especially the epiglottis, is to prevent food, liquids, and other foreign bodies from entering the airway, thereby reducing the risk of choking.
Disorders and Conditions[edit | edit source]
Various disorders can impact the larynx, affecting voice quality and breathing. Some common conditions include:
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often caused by infections, overuse of the voice, or irritation.
- Vocal nodules and Polyps: Benign growths on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness.
- Laryngeal cancer: Malignant tumors that develop in the larynx.
- Paralysis of the Vocal Cords: This condition can result from injuries, surgeries, or other underlying medical conditions, leading to voice changes or breathing difficulties.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
