Morphology and Structural Organization of the Larynx

The larynx, often referred to as the 'voice box,' is a complex anatomical structure responsible for phonation, respiration, and protection of the lower airway. It is composed of cartilages, muscles, ligaments, and mucosal lining that work harmoniously.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Muscles of the Larynx

The laryngeal muscles are categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic groups:

Intrinsic Muscles

• Thyroarytenoid Muscle: Regulates tension of the vocal cords.
• Cricoarytenoid Muscles: Involved in vocal cord abduction and adduction.
• Vocalis Muscle: Controls pitch modulation.

Extrinsic Muscles

• Infrahyoid Muscles: Lower the larynx and stabilize its position.
• Suprahyoid Muscles: Elevate the larynx during swallowing.

Vascular and Nerve Supply to the Larynx

Arterial Supply

• Superior Laryngeal Artery: Branch of the superior thyroid artery supplying the upper larynx.
• Inferior Laryngeal Artery: Branch of the inferior thyroid artery supplying the lower larynx.

Venous Drainage

• Superior Laryngeal Vein: Drains into the superior thyroid vein.
• Inferior Laryngeal Vein: Drains into the inferior thyroid vein.

Neural Contributions

• Superior Laryngeal Nerve: Provides sensory innervation to the mucosa of the larynx above the vocal cords.
• Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: Responsible for motor innervation to all intrinsic muscles except the cricothyroid muscle.