Definition and Position of Larynx:

Larynx is 2-inch long tube found in the anterior neck region between the pharynx and trachea at C3- C6 vertebrae in adults but in infants it is found in C2-C3 vertebrae .Larynx is also known as Voice box or Adam’s Apple and is formed of 9 cartilage. It extends from the epiglottis to the cricoid cartilage.

Functions of Larynx or Voice box:

Larynx is an important body part of the human body. One of the most important functions of Larynx is that it makes sure that the airways are open so that we are able to breathe properly; if larynx stops functioning we will be dead in no time.
When we eat food the opening point of the larynx gets closed so that no food is able to get into the wind pipe and hence prevents us from choking and the food goes to stomach. Choking can be really life threatening.
Larynx helps to generate voice as our vocal chords are present there. It helps in generating all sorts of sounds of a particular pitch and frequency.

Anatomy of Larynx:

Cartilages of Larynx: There are 9 cartilages of Larynx out of which 4 are important.

Thyroid Cartilage: it is the largest one and found in the upper neck region in human body. Thyroid cartilage is more prominent in males than in females.

Epiglottis: it is leaf like yellow in color found behind the root of the tongue in human body.

Cricoid Cartilage: is found in the lower part of the larynx. It is small in size but happens to be stronger than the thyroid cartilage.

Laryngeal Muscles, Vocal cords and Innervation: There are 2 types of Laryngeal muscles intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic laryngeal muscles: it changes the shape of the vocal chords and moves the vocal chords from each other and then brings them together while talking.

Extrinsic muscles : connects the cricoid, arytenoid and thyroid cartilages to other parts of neck and helps larynx while talking or eating food.

Vocal chords are affected because of Larynx as when the external nerve of larynx is damaged then it makes vocal chords to produce different sounds and if one of the external nerve of larynx is damaged then it produces hoarse sound and if both of them are damaged then it is not possible to preserve the voice of the person.

Disorders of Larynx:

Cancer of larynx can be caused to chain smokers and in those who are alcoholic.
Vocal cord paresis is caused when one or both the vocal folds become weak.
Acute laryngitis is caused mostly because of common cold leads to swollen throat.
Use of endotracheal tube leads to ulcers.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is caused due to vomiting.
Weakness of voice is a condition which is caused due Presbylarynx which is related to old age.
Laryngomalacia occurs mostly in small kids leads to difficulty in breathing.
Small bumps are formed in vocal cords due to smoking and alcohol intake.