Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Anatomy of Larynx
1. ANATOMY
OF
LARYNX
Dr. Diptiman Baliarsingh
1st Year PG, Dept. of ENT,
Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar
2. EMBRYOLOGY
During 4th wk, the tracheo-bronchial diverticulum
appears in the ventral wall of primitive pharynx, just
below hypobrachial eminence.
The edges of this groove form oesophago-tracheal
septum, which fuses caudally leaving a slit like
aperture cranially.
The cranial end of tube forms larynx & trachea
The caudal end of tube forms bronchi & lungs
The tube is lined by endoderm which forms the
epithelial lining of entire respiratory system.
3. Arytenoid swellings appear on both sides of
tracheo-bronchial diverticulum. The Aryteniod
swellings grow upwards and deepen to produce
Ary-epiglottic folds
Hypobrachial eminence forms Epiglottis
Glottis forms just above the primitive aperture
Thyroid cartilage develops from the ventral ends of
the cartilages of the 4th pharyngeal arch
Cricoid cartilage and cartilages of trachea develop
from 6th arch
Superior & recurrent laryngeal branches of vagus
nerve are derived from 4th & 6th arches which
supply the larynx.
4. EMBRYOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF LARYNX
Structure Source
Laryngeal mucosa Endoderm of cephalic part of
foregut
Laryngeal cartilages Mesenchyme
Epiglottis Hypobranchial eminence
Upper part of thyroid cartilage 4th branchial arch
lower part of thyroid cartilage,
cricoid, corniculate, and cunei-form
cartilages
6th branchial arch
Intrinsic muscles of larynx 6th branchial arch
5.
6. GENERAL ANATOMY
Extent
From laryngeal inlet to inferior border of cricoid cartilage
3rd to 6th cervical vertebrae
Little higher in women
VC lie at C5 level in adults, C3/C4 in infants
Infantile larynx is smaller & funnel shaped
It is narrowest at the junction of sub-glottic larynx
with trachea.
* Slight swelling may result in marked airway obstruction
Laryngeal cartilages are much softer in infants and
collapse more easily on forced inspiration
7. As the larynx grows there is little difference in size
between boys and girls till puberty, after which A-P
diameter almost doubles in men, with a final A-P
dia. of
36mm in Men
26mm in Women
Larynx is divided into 3 parts by False & True vocal
cords
Supraglottis
Glottis
Subglottis
8. Supraglottis consists of
Superiorly - epiglottis & aryepiglottic folds
Lower border - the ventricular bands (false cords)
Glottis consists of
Vocal cords
Anterior commissure
Posterior commissure
Subglottis consists of
Upto lower border of cricoid
It becomes trachea at lower border of cricoid
9. INFANT LARYNX
Position: Infant larynx is situated higher in the neck.
Vocalcords lie at C3/C4 level and during swallowing
go up to C1/ C2 level. In adults vocal cords lie at C5
level.
Cartilages: Laryngeal cartilages in infants are soft
and collapse easily.
Epiglottis: It is omega shaped.
Arytenoids: They are relatively large and cover
significant posterior part of glottis.
Thyroid: It is flat.
Cricoid: The diameter of cricoid is smaller than glottis.
10. Cricothyroid and thyrohyoid spaces: They are very
narrow. Hyoid bone overlaps thyroid and thyroid
overlaps cricoid.
Size: The larynx of an infant is smaller and has a
narrower lumen
Shape: It is conical and funnel-shaped
Submucosal tissue: It is thick and loose and
becomes easily edematous in response to trauma
or inflammation
16. HYOID BONE
U-shaped bone
Provides upper attachment for extrinsic muscles of
larynx
Suspends the larynx in theneck
3 parts
Body – present anteriorly
Greater cornua – projects backwards
Lesser cornua – 2 small conical eminences
19. THYROID CARTILAGE
2 lamina fused anteriorly in midline giving rise to
laryngeal prominence
Angle of fusion –
90 degree in Men
120 degree in women
The posterior border of each lamina is prolonged
above & below to form superior & inferior cornua
Superior cornua - long & narrow
- curves upwards, backwrds & medially
*Lateral thyroid ligament is attached
Inferior cornua - shorter and thicker
- curves downward & medially
*small oval facet jt. on which articulates cricoid cart.
20. External Surface of Thy. cart.
On each lamina is a oblique line, curves downwards &
forwards from superior thyroid tubercle to inferior thyroid
tubercle.
The line marks the attachment of
Thyrohyoid
Sternothyroid
Inferior constrictor muscles
Inner aspect of Thy. Cart.
Thyroepiglottic ligament is attached just below the
thyroid notch in midline
Below this on each side of midline is attached
Vestibular & Vocal ligaments
Thyroaryteniod Muscle
Thyroepiglottic Muscle
Vocalis Muscle
21.
22.
23. The fusion of the anterior ends of the two vocal
ligaments produce Anterior commissure
The superior border of each lamina gives
attachment to thyrohyoid ligament
The inferior border gives attachment to cricothyroid
ligament
26. CRICOID CARTILAGE
It is the only complete cartilagenous ring in the
airway
It forms the inferior part of the larynx
It has a deep broad lamina posteriorly & narrow
arch anteriorly with a facet for articulation with the
inferior cornu of the thyroid cartilage
The lamina has sloping shoulders on which the
articular facets for the arytenoids are found
A vertical ridge in midline of lamina give attachment
to longitudinal muscle of oesophaus
Shallow concavity on each side gives origin to
posterior cricoaryteniod
29. EPIGLOTTIS
Thin leaf like sheet of elastic fibrocartilage
Projects upwards behind the tongue and hyoid
bone
It is attached
Inferiorly – to thyroid cartilage, just below thyroid notch
in midline by thyroepiglottic ligamnet
Anteriorly – to hyoid bone by hyoepiglottic ligament
Space between these two ligaments forms pre-epiglottic
space
From the sides of epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds pass
down to the apex of aryteniods
31. The posterior surface of Epi. is indented by
numerous small pits into which mucus glands
project
The anterior surface is coverd by mucous
membrane superiorly & forms the posterior wall of
vallecula
The mucous membrane overlying epiglottis is
reflected on base of tongue forming
Glossoepiglottic fold – midline
Lateral glossoepiglottic fold – laterally
35. The apex is curved backwards & medially, and is
flattened for articulation with corniculate cartilage.
The medial surface is covered with mucous
membrane
Posterior surface is covered by transverse
aryteniod muscle
The base is concave and provides smooth surface
for articulation with cricoid
*this is a synovial joint with lax capsular
ligaments allowing -
1. rotarory movements
2. medial & lateral gliding movements
Post. cricoarytenoid ligament prevents forward
movement of arytenoid cartilage
37. CORNICULATE & CUNEIFORM CARTILAGES
Corniculate Cartilages (of Santorini)
2 small conical nodules of elastic fibrocatilage
Articulate by a synovial joint with the apices of aryteniod
cartilages
Situated in the posterior part of aryepiglottic fold
Cuneiform Cartilages (of Wrisberg)
2 small elongated flakes of fibroelastic cartilage (rod
shaped cart.)
One in each margin of aryepiglottic folds
38. JOINTS
Cricoarytenoid joint:
This synovial joint is formed between the base of
arytenoid and a facet on the upper border of cricoid
lamina.
Two types of movements are possible at this joint;
rotatory and gliding.
The rotatory movement occurs at a vertical axis and
abducts or adducts the vocal cord.
Arytenoids glide laterally and medially and help in
closing or opening the posterior part of glottis.
Cricothyroid joint:
This synovial joint is formed between the inferior cornua
of thyroid cartilage and a facet on the cricoid cartilage.
39. LIGAMNETS & MEMBRANES
EXTRINSIC LIGAMENTS
They connect laryngeal cartilages to hyoid bone above
& trachea below
Superiorly – Thyrohyoid membrane stretches between
upper border of thyroid cartilage & posterior surface of
the body & greater cornua of hyoid
The membrane is a fibroelastic tissue & is re-enforced
by fibrous tissue in
midline as median thyrohyoid ligament &
posteriorly as lateral thyrohyoid ligament ( ligament often
contains a small nodule of cartilage – Cartilago Triticea)
The membrane is pierced by Internal branch of Sup.
Laryngeal Nerve & Sup. Laryngeal Vessels
Cricotracheal ligament unites lower border of cricoid
with first tracheal ring
40. INTRINSIC LIGAMENTS
They
Connect the laryngeal cartilages together
Strengthen the capsule of intercartilagenous joints
Form a broad sheet of fibroelastic tissue – fibroelastic
membrane
Fibroelastic Membrane is divided into upper & lower part
by laryngeal ventricle
Upper Quadilateral Membrane – extends between
lateral border of epiglottis & arytenoid cartilages
Upper margin forms aryepiglottic fold
Lower margin forms vestibular ligament underlying the
vestibular fold (false cords)
43. Lower part is thicker containing elastic fibres, called as
cricovocal lig. / cricothyroid lig. / conus elasticus
It is attached
Above to thyroid cart. anteriorly & vocal process of arytenoid
posteriorly
Below to upper border of cricod cartilage
The free upper border of this memb. forms the Vocal
Ligament (true cord)
Anteriorly there is thickening of this membrane -
forming cricothyroid ligament, which connects cricoid
and thyroid cartilages in the midline.
50. Intrinsic Muscles – are all paired (excp. Tr. A) & move
the cartilages in the larynx & regulate the mechanical
properties of larynx
Open & Close glottis - Posterior Cricoarytenoid
- Lateral Cricoarytenoid
- Transverse Arytenoids(unpaired)*
- Oblique Arytenoids(paired)
Control tension of VC - Thyroarytenoids (vocalis)
- Cricothyroid
Alter the shape of laryngeal inlet
- Aryepiglotticus
- Thyroepiglotticus
55. LATERAL VIEW OF LARYNX SHOWING CRICOTHYROID
MUSCLE, CARTILAGES AND LIGAMENTS
56. EXTRINSIC MUSCLES OF LARYNX
INFRAHYOID GROUP
1. Thyrohyoid
Origin - Oblique line of thyroid lamina
Insertion - Inferior border of the greater cornu of
the Hyoid
Function - Elevates the larynx on a fixed hyoid or
depresses the hyoid on a fixed larynx
Innervation - Hypoglossal (C1 root)
57.
58. 2. Sternothyroid
Origin - Posterior surface of manubrium and edge
of the first costal cartilage
Insertion - Oblique line of the thyroid lamina
Function - Depresses the larynx
Innervation - Ansa cervicalis (C2, 3 roots)
3. Sternohyoid
Origin - Clavicle and posterior surface of the manubrium
Insertion - Lower edge of the body of the hyoid
Function - Depresses the larynx by lowering the hyoid
Innervation - Ansa cervicalis (C1, 2, 3 roots)
59.
60. SUPRAHYOID GROUP
1. Mylohyoid
Origin – Mylohyoid line in inner aspect of mandible
Insertion – Midline raphe & body of hyoid
Function – raises & pulls hyoid anteriorly
Innervation – Nr. to Mylohyoid
2. Geniohyoid
Origin – Genial tubercle on mandible
Insertion – upper border of the body of hyoid
Function – raises & pulls the hyoid forwards
Innervation – Hypoglossal (C1 root)
61.
62. 3. Stylohyoid
Origin – back of the styloid process
Insertion – base of greater cornu of the hyoid
Function – retractor & elevator of hyoid for
swallowing
Innervation – facial nerve
4. Digastric
Origin – Digastric notch on the medial surface of
the mastoid process
Insertion – Lower border of the mandible (a fibrous sling
holds the tendon to the lesser cornu of hyoid)
Function –
Anterior belly – pulls the hyoid anteriorly & up
Posterior belly – pulls the hyoid posteriorly & up
Innervation - Ant. belly – Nr to mylohyoid
Post. belly – Facial Nr
63.
64. 5. Stylopharyngeus
Origin – Medial aspect of styloid process
Insertion – Post. border of lamina of thyroid cart.
Function – Elevates the larynx
Innervation – Glossopharyngeal Nr
6. Palatopharyngeus
Origin – Palatine aponeurosis & post margin of hard palate
Insertion – Post. border of thyroid alar & cornua
Function – helps tilts the larynx forwards
Innervation – Accessory Nr (pharyngeal plexus)
7. Salpingopharyngeus
Origin – Eustachian Tube
Insertion – Post. border of thyroid cartilage
Function – Elevates the larynx
Innervation – Pharyngeal plexus
65.
66. SUPERIOR VIEW OF THE INSIDE OF LARYNX AS
SEEN DURING LARYNGOSCOPIC EXAMINATION
67. INTRINSIC MUSCLES OF LARYNX
OPEN & CLOSE THE GLOTTIS
1. Posterior Cricoarytenoid
Origin – Lower & medial surface of back of cricoid lamina
Insertion – it fans out to be inserted into the back of
the muscular process of the arytenoid
Function – Opens the glottis
(Upper horizontal fibres – rotate the arytenoids & move the
muscular process towards each other separating the vocal
process & abducting the cords
Lower vertical fibres – draw the arytenoids down the sloping
shoulders of the cricoid separating the lamina)
Effect - abducts & elevates the tip of vocal process
- vocal fold becomes elongated & thin
70. 2. Lateral Cricoarytenoid
Origin – sup. border of lat. part of the arch of cricoid
Insertion – muscular process of arytenoid
Function – adductus & lowers the tip of the vocal process by
rotating the arytenoids medially
Effect – Vocal fold adducted, lowered, elongated & thinned
3. Transverse Arytenoids(unpaired)
Origin – post. surf of muscular process & outer edge of arytenoid
Insertion – crosses over & attaches on same point on other
arytenoid
4. Oblique Arytenoids(paired)
Origin – post. surf of muscular process (superfi. to Tr .Ary)
Insertion – Apex of other arytenoid
Function – Adducts VC & controls the position of VC
Effect – No significant effect on Vocal fold
73. CONTROL THE TENSION OF VOCAL FOLDS
1. Thyroarytenoids (Vocalis) – it is a broad sheet of
muscle lies lateral to & above the free egde of
cricovocal ligament (conus elasticus). Its lower part is
thicker and forms vocalis muscle.
Origin – back of the thyroid prominence &
cricothyroid ligament
Insertion – vocal process of arytenoid & anterolateral
surface of the body of arytenoid
Effect – Lowers, shortens & thickens the vocal folds
75. 2. Cricothyroid – it is the only intrinsic muscle that lies
outside the cartilagenous framework of larynx & *also
the only muscle amongst all the intrinsic muscles of
larynx which is supplied by Ext. br. of SLN, rest all being
supplied by RLN.
Origin – lateral surface of the anterior arch of cricoid, the
fibers fan out and pass backwards in two groups
Lower Oblique & Anterior Straight fibres
Insertion - Lower Oblique fibres – pass backwards
and laterally to the anterior border of
the inferior cornu of thyroid cartilage.
- Anterior Straight fibres – ascend to the
posterior part of the lower border of
thyroid lamina
Effect – Rotates the cricoid cartilage about the horizontal
axis passing through the cricothyroid joint
78. ALTER THE SHAPE OF LARYNGEAL INLET
1. Aryepiglotticus – continuation of oblique arytenoid
Origin – posterior aspect of muscular process of
arytenoid
Insertion – fibres pass around the apex of the opposite
arytenoid & insert into the aryepiglottic fold
Effect – weak sphincter of laryngeal inlet
2. Thyroepiglotticus – continuation of thyroarytenoid
Origin – back of thyroid prominence & cricothyroid
ligament
Insertion – fibres pass upwards into aryepiglottic fold
Effect – widens the inlet of larynx by pulling the
aryepiglottic flods slightly apart
79. THE GLOTTIS
The glottis lies between False VC & True VC which
cover vestibular & vocal ligaments
In glottis, laterally lies Laryngeal Ventricle (sinus of
larynx)
In the anterior part of ventricle, the saccule of larynx
acsends between vestibular ligament & inner surf. of
thyroid cartilage.
Laryngocele – abnormally enlarged & distended saccule
containing air
Retension Cyst – due to obstruction of mucous glands
saccule
80. The glottis (RIMA GLOTTIDIS) is the narrowest part of
adult laryngeal cavity & lies between VC & arytenoids on
two sides
The size & shape of glottis varies with the activites of
VCs
Vestibular Folds –
2 thick folds of mucous membrane enclosing vestibular
ligament
VL is the lower border of upper quadilateral membrane
It is fixed – in Front – at angle of thyroid cartilage just
below attch. of epiglottic cart.
Behind – anterolateral surface of arytenoids
81.
82.
83. Vocal Folds –
Extend from the middle of the angle of thyroid cartilage
to the vocal process of arytenoid cartilage
Underneath, there is the upper border of Conus
Elasticus
Each fold is layered structure consisting of
1. Superficial layer of non-keratinizing stratified
squamous epithelium
2. Lamina propria – 3 distinct layers
Superficial layer ( Reinke’s space) – contains a
fibrous substance
Intermediate layer – contains elastic fibres
Deep layer – contains collagen fibres
Intermediate & Deep layer form VOCAL LIGAMENT
3. The vocalis muscle, forms the main body of VF lies
lateral & deep
85. The layered structure of vocal fold is not uniform in its
entire length.
Anterior end of VF lies a mass of collagen fibres which are
connected to inner perichondrium of thyroid cartilage & to
deep layer of lamina propria posteriorly
Adjacent to this mass of collagen fibres, posteriorly, lies a
mass of elastic fibres continuous with intermediate layer of
LP, called Anterior Macula Flava. A similar structure at
posterior end of membranous part of VF
These serve as cushions to protect the ends of vocal folds
from mechanical damage caused by vocal fold vibration.
Anterior 3/5th of VC is between vocal folds – called
Intermembranous part of cord
Remaining 2/5th posteriorly are between vocal process of
arytenoid – called Intercartilagenous part of cord
86. MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF LARYNX
The m.m. lining is closely attached over the posterior
surface of epiglottis, corniculate & cuniform cartilages
and all over the vocal ligament.
Elsewhere it is loosely attached & prone to edema
Most of larynx* is lined by pseudo-stratified cilliated
columnar ‘respiratory-type’ epithelium
* The upper half of posterior surface of epiglottis, the
upper part of aryepiglottic fold, posterior glottis &
vocal folds are covered with non-keratinizing stratified
squamous epithelium.
87. Mucous glands are freely distributed throughout
the mucous membrane & at particularly numerous
on the posterior half of epiglottis where they form
indentation into the cartilage & in the margins of the
lower part of the aryepiglottic folds and saccules.
The vocal folds do not posses any glands & the
mucous membrane is lubricated by mucus from the
glands of the saccules.
* if these glands cease to function, i.e. after
radiation the the sq. epithelium of vocal cords tend
to dessicate.
88. LARYNGEAL SPACES
PRE-EPIGLOTTIC SPACE
Wedge shaped space
Boundaries
Anteriorly – thyrohyoid ligament
& hyoid bone
Posteriorly – epiglottis (infrahyoid part)
Superiorly – hyoepiglottic ligament
Inferiorly – thyrpoepiglotic ligament
* Tumour may spread through
1. perforations in epiglottis
2. directly through hyo-epiglottic ligament
Pre-epiglottic space is continous laterally with the para-epiglottic
space
89. PARA-GLOTTIC SPACE
Boundaries –
Antero-Laterally – thyroid cartilage & cricothyroid membrane
Medially – conus elasticus & quadrangular membrane
Posteriorly – pyriform fossa
It encompasses laryngeal ventricles & saccules
REINKE’S SPACE
Lies under epithelium
of VC’s
Boundaries
Abv & Blw – Arcuate lines
Ant – Ant. Commissures
Post – Vocal process of
arytenoids
90. NERVE SUPPLY OF LARYNX
The motor and sensory supply of larynx is from
VAGUS – by superior & recurrent laryngeal nr.s
SUPERIOR LARYNGEAL NERVE
Arises from inferior ganglion of vagus & also receives a
branch from superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
It decends lateral to pharynx behind ICA & at the level of
greater horn of hyoid it divides into small external
branch & larger internal branch
EXTERNAL BRANCH – motor supply to cricothyroid
muscle
91. INTERNAL BRANCH – pierces thyrohyoid memb. & divides
into two main sensory & secretomotor br., & also carries
afferent fibres from neuromuscular spindles & other stretch
receptors of larynx
Upper branch – supplies mucous memb. of lower part of
pharynx, epiglottis, vallecula & vestibule of larynx
Lower branch – supplies aryepiglottic fold & mucous
membrane of larynx till level of vocal cords
In its course beneath m.m. of medial wall of
pyriform fossa, it is accessible for inj. of LA for
providing anaesthesia for most of pyriform fossa.
SLN ends by piercing inf. constricter muscle of
pharynx & unites with the ascending br of recurrent
laryngeal nerve. – called as Galen’s anastomosis
92. RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE
RIGHT RLN – leaves vagus as it crosses Right sub-clavian
artery & loops under the artery ascending in the
TE groove to reach larynx
LEFT RLN – the nerve originates from vagus as it
crosses aortic arch, it passes under the arch &
ligamentum arteriosum to reach TE groove
In the NECK – both follow same course and pass
upwards accompanied by laryngeal branch of inferior
thyroid artery
They pass deep to the lower border of inf. constricter
muscle & enter the larynx behind cricothyroid joint.
Then divides into motor & sensory branches
MOTOR BR – all intrinsic muscles of larynx, except
cricothyroid
SENSORY BR – supplies laryngeal mucosa below the
level of vocal cords + aff. fibers from stretch receptors of
larynx
94. The relationship between RLN & inferior thyroid art.
is variable
It may cross in front of, or behind the artery or may
pass between the terminal branches of artery
On the Rt side there is equal chance of the nerve
lying in any of three locations but on the Lt side it
usually lies posteriorly to artery.
95. LARYNGEAL VASCULATURE
ARTERIAL SUPPLY
Laryngeeal branches of superior & inferior thyroid arteries
Cricothyroid br of superior thyroid artery
The superior laryngeal artery arises from superior thyroid
artery – passes deep to thyrohyiod muscle. Together with
the int. br of SLN it pierces thyrohyiod memb. to supply
larynx
The inferior laryngeal artery arises from inferior thyroid
artery at lower border of thyroid gl. And ascends on the
traches with RLN. It enters the larynx beneath the lower
border of inf constricter to supply it.
The cricothyroid artery passes upper part of cricothyroid
ligament to supply larynx.
96. VENOUS DRAINAGE
Accompany arteries
Superior laryngeal vein superior thyroid vein / facial
vein IJV
Inferior laryngeal veins inferior thyroid veins
bracheocephalic vein
* some veins middle thyroid vein IJV
LYMPHATICS
Divided into two groups by vocal folds into upper &
lower drainage
LARYNX ABOVE VOCAL FOLDS – drain by vessels
accompanying SL vein Upper deep cervical LNs
LARYNX BELOW VOCAL FOLDS prelaryngeal &
pretracheal nodes Lower deep cervical nodes
The vocal folds have no lymphatics as they are firmly
bound down to underlying vocal ligament
98. FUNCTIONS OF LARYNX
4 main funtions of larynx -
1. Protection of lower airways
Sphincteric closure of laryngeal inlet
Cessation of respiration
Cough reflex
2. Phonation & speech
3. Respiration
4. Fixation of chest
99. LASTLY...
Its that part of our body which helps us to
communicate verbally with the whole world...!
From the first cry of the baby to the sweet tunes of a
melodius song...!!
Its all about LARYNX...!!!
100. THANK YOU...
REFERENCES
GRAY’s Anatomy - 39th Ed.
Scott Brown’s Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery – 7th Ed.
Cumming’s Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery - 5th Ed.
Mohan Bansal – 2nd Ed.
BD Chaurasia’s – Human Anatomy 3rd Ed.