Roles of Laryngeal System

1. Prevents foreign objects from entering airway during phonation or swallow

2. Traps air in the lungs and stabilizes torso for physical exertion

3. Adds meaning (intonation)

4. Reveals physical/psychological state (fatigue, reflux)

Classification of Voice Disorders

1. Functional - abuse/misuse

2. Organic/structural - structural anomalies

3. Neurologic - paralysis/paresis

Major cartilages of Larynx

1. Thyroid
2. Cricoid
3. Arytenoids

Other Cartilages:

Cuneiform

Corniculates 

Hyoid Bone

• NO PHONATORY FUNCTION! 
• Supports the root of the tongue & larynx
• Free floating (not attached to any bone)
• Parts
• Central body (corpus)
• Posteriorly directed greater horns (cornua)
• Superior directed lesser cornua

Thyroid Cartilage

• Largest cartilage
• Parts:
• Thyroid laminae
• Thyroid notch
• Thyroid prominence (Adam's Apple)
• Oblique line: insertion point for vocalis muscle
• Superior cornua
• Inferior cornua

Cricoid Cartilage

• Complete ring resting atop trachea
• Most inferior of laryngeal cartilages
• Articulates with arytenoids on the posterolateral surfaces

Arytenoid Cartilages

• Paired; located on superior surface of cricoid
• Pyramidal shaped; 4 surfaces
• Base
• Apex
• Vocal processes (anterior-medial-inferior)
• Muscular processes (posterior-lateral-inferior)
• Anterior medial movement vs. posterior lateral (outward) movement

Cricothyroid 

•  Main muscle for pitch control
• Raises pitch by:
• rocking cricoid upward or thyroid downward
• results in stretched/elongated VFs

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