What is in the larynx. human throat anatomy

The larynx is a multifunctional human organ, involved in the process of breathing, provides the ability to pronounce sounds. It is located at the level of the fourth, fifth and sixth vertebrae of the cervical spine, being the connecting link between the pharynx and the entrance to the trachea, belongs to the proximal part of the vocal tube. Its upper part is attached to the hyoid bone, and the lower part enters the trachea. The principle of the structure of the throat and larynx in humans is similar to all tubular organs, it has three shells.

The structure of the human larynx is largely associated with the organs and tissues adjacent to it:

  • Behind the larynx is the pharynx, it is the final part of the oral cavity, enters the pharynx with a small opening. The pharyngeal ring is the transitional part of the system and is located in the proximal larynx.
  • The anterior part of the pharynx is bordered by the muscles of the neck, they are located distally from the hyoid bone.
  • At the top of the organ, the lobes of the thyroid gland are attached to its sides, the surface of which borders on the large blood arteries and veins of the neck.

The cavity is under the cover of a chain of paired and single hyaline cartilages, they are attached to each other by muscles, joints, ligaments, all cartilage connections ensure the mobility of the system. The human larynx is the cavity between the nasopharynx and the trachea.

The thyroid hyaline cartilage does not have a pair, it consists of two plates that have a quadrangular shape. Both plates fuse with each other in the front of the neck; in men, their connection forms an acute angle, and in women, a more rounded unfolded configuration is formed. It is the angle of the connection that is called "Adam's apple", which is clearly distinguished in the strong half of humanity and is easily palpable.

The basis of the larynx is the arytenoid cartilage, it goes below the thyroid, connected with it by the joints. The lower part of the cricoid unpaired cartilage borders on a pair of arytenoids, the tops of which pass into corniculate - cartilagines corniculatae - cartilages. The sphenoid tubercle-cartilage in humans is a rudimentary organ. The epiglottic cartilage is responsible for covering the larynx, if a person swallows, it is located in its upper part. The connection of all cartilage with each other occurs due to the joints. The tone of the larynx is provided by a number of muscles, ligaments. The largest muscles of the larynx are the caudal and lateral cricoid-arytenoid ligaments, in addition to them, there are large muscles - the vocal cords.

Anatomy of the larynx

The larynx is represented by a classic tubular organ, a cavity is created inside it, therefore, it includes three shells:

  • Internal. Mucous.
  • Average. Muscular-cartilaginous.
  • External. Loose connective tissue membrane - adventitia.

The mucosa is conventionally divided into the following sections:

  • The proximal section has a characteristic narrowed lower part, this part is the vestibule of the organ.
  • The medial section is limited to false vocal cords (paired muscle growths) of the upper part and true cords at the bottom. On the sides of the middle section, the mucous membrane forms two pairs of folds, the gaps between which have special formations, they are called laryngeal ventricles.
  • The distal section is located below the vocal cords, has the function of connecting the larynx and trachea.

The muscular-cartilaginous membrane contains a pair of vocal cords, they join a pair of arytenoid and thyroid cartilage, creating a narrow space between them, this gap is called the vocal fold. During the contracting movements of the muscles of the larynx, the tension of the vocal cords is observed, this leads to a change in the size of the glottis. When exhaling, the vibrations of the vocal cords emit a characteristic sound associated with their vibration, it is the vibration that makes it possible to pronounce vowels.

For the formation of consonant sounds, the participation of the tongue, palate and lips is also necessary. The characteristic male low timbre is due to the peculiarity of the shape of the existing vocal cords, which are longer than in women. The loose connective tissue part of the pharynx and larynx is supplied with capillaries responsible for feeding the organ, the largest of which can be called the upper and lower arteries.

The structure of the throat and larynx suggests the presence of anatomically separate cavities that ensure the passage of air flow, the promotion of food, includes the vocal cords, many blood vessels, and nerve endings. The structural features of the organ associated with the contractile activity of the muscles, the work of the tongue and muscles of the mouth, allow you to change the volume of the laryngeal cavity, as a result of muscle contractions, the vocal cords are stretched, which allows you to receive certain sounds on exhalation.

A person can regulate these processes, being able to pronounce individual words, make musical sounds. The formation of sounds is controlled by 16 types of muscles. When the vocal cords are relaxed, the exhalation of the air flow does not lead to their vibrations, which explains the soundlessness of this process.

The height and timbre depend on the structural features of the larynx, its volume. But the main factor is the condition of the vocal cords, their length, tension, elasticity, resilience, and the degree of hydration of the vocal cords plays an important role. With dryness of the vocal cords, they become less elastic, which is a consequence of the hoarseness of the voice. Hoarseness can appear when the laryngeal muscles are weakened.

With age, the structure of the body changes significantly. Newborn children have a shorter and wider cavity of the larynx, it is located three vertebrae higher than in an adult. The final formation of the larynx in children occurs at the age of about 13 years. Children do not have corniculate cartilages, thyroid-hyoid membranes, or ligaments, and the laryngeal inlet is much wider than in adolescents or adults. Anatomical formations are formed only by 7-8 years.

Features of the development of the female body determine the gradual development of all parts of the organ, but in boys the laryngeal complex begins to develop intensively in the age period from 13 to 15 years. A sharp increase in the length of the ligaments causes such a phenomenon as a change in the voice in adolescent boys.

Muscles, ligaments, membranes and joints are intended for the movable connection of the cartilage of the organ. The work of ligaments, membranes carries out the attachment of cartilage to each other and the union of the larynx with neighboring systems.

Three muscle groups are divided among themselves according to functional features:

  • Dilators are muscle formations that are responsible for expanding the volume of the organ and increasing the gap between the vocal cords.
  • Constrictors are muscle formations that control the narrowing of the volume and reduction of the gap between the vocal cords.
  • The remaining muscles are responsible for the work of the vocal cords, they change their tension from the configuration of the organs of the larynx.

Histological features of the larynx

The larynx is built on the principle of a tube; a feature of this organ is the presence of fibrous fibrinous tissue in the submucosal layer.

The entire cavity is lined with a special ciliated epithelium, only the vocal folds and epiglottic cartilage are covered with a characteristic layer of multi-row ciliated squamous epithelium. The basis of the mucous membrane consists of an unformed, having little intercellular substance, connective tissue, in which there are many reticular (elastic) fibers, the basal layer is attached to the membranes of these fibers of the larynx. The deep layer contains glands responsible for moisturizing the mucosa, and lymphoid follicles control the protective properties of vulnerable membranes.

Physiology of the larynx

The anatomy and physiology of the larynx and other ENT organs are quite complex. Therefore, for the effective treatment of many pathologies, questions of topography are being developed in depth and the mechanisms of the occurrence of pathologies are being studied. The larynx is a multifunctional organ, it is characterized by:

  • protective role.
  • respiratory role.
  • Voice education.

The protective role is connected with the respiratory organs. Here, the inhaled air is preheated and humidified before entering the trachea and lungs. A feature of the ciliated epithelium: it does not allow small particles of dust that settle on the pile to pass further into the respiratory system.

The presence of glandular goblet cells provides moisture to the larynx, does not let dust into the lungs. A large number of nerve endings in the initial section provokes an instant coughing attack when particles of food or water enter it.

The structural features of the human larynx and throat allow the corresponding organs to perform many specific functions.

The voice-forming role of the laryngeal complex is associated with the ability of a person to pronounce certain sounds when exhaling. This process is provided by the work of the muscles of the larynx and vocal cords. The timbre of the voice varies not only depending on the anatomical, physiological characteristics of the larynx, its functional state, but also on the ability to use it. A person can train the work of the vocal organs, learning this begins from childhood during everyday communication or vocal lessons.

The throat is an organ that belongs to the upper respiratory tract and
promotes the movement of air into the respiratory system, and food into the digestive tract. The throat contains many vital blood vessels and nerves, as well as the muscles of the pharynx. There are two sections in the throat: the pharynx and the larynx.

The trachea is a continuation of the pharynx and larynx. The pharynx is responsible for moving food into the digestive tract and air into the lungs. And the larynx is responsible for the vocal cords.

Pharynx

Throat, or as it is called in another way " pharynx“, is located behind the mouth and extends down the neck. The shape of the pharynx is a cone turned upside down. The upper part of the cone, wider, is located at the base of the skull - this gives it strength. The lower part, narrower, is connected to the larynx. The outer layer of the pharynx is a continuation of the outer layer of the oral cavity. Accordingly, this layer has numerous glands that produce mucus. This mucus is involved in moistening the throat during meals and speech.

Nasopharynx

The throat consists of three parts. These parts have their location and perform certain functions. The topmost part is nasopharynx. From below, the nasopharynx is limited by the soft palate and when swallowing, the soft palate moves up and covers the nasopharynx, thereby preventing food from entering the nose. The upper wall of the nasopharynx has adenoids. Adenoids are a collection of tissue located on the back wall of the nasopharynx. Also, the nasopharynx has a passage that connects the middle ear and throat - this is the Eustachian tube.

Oropharynx


Oropharynx- This is the part of the pharynx that is located behind the oral cavity. The main function of the oropharynx is the promotion of air flow from the mouth to the respiratory organs. The nasopharynx is less mobile than the oropharynx. Therefore, as a result of the contraction of the muscle mass of the oral cavity, speech is formed. The tongue is located in the oral cavity, which, with the help of the muscular system, helps to move food into the esophagus and stomach. But the most important organs of the oropharynx are the tonsils, which are most often involved in throat diseases.

The lowest part of the throat performs the function of swallowing. The movements of the throat must be very clear and synchronous in order to simultaneously ensure the penetration of air into the lungs and food into the esophagus. This is ensured by a complex of nerve plexuses.

Larynx

Larynx located opposite the 4th -6th cervical vertebrae. Above the larynx is the hyoid bone. Anteriorly, the larynx is formed by a group of hyoid muscles, the lateral parts of the larynx are adjacent to the thyroid gland, and the laryngeal part of the pharynx is located in the posterior region of the larynx.

The skeleton of the larynx is represented by a group of cartilages (paired and unpaired), which are interconnected by means of muscles, joints and ligaments.

Unpaired cartilages include:

  • cricoid
  • Thyroid
  • epiglottal

Paired cartilages include:

  • arytenoids
  • Horn-shaped
  • wedge-shaped

No human organ can function without muscles. The muscular system of the larynx is divided into three groups: the muscles that narrow the glottis, the muscles that expand the vocal cords, and the muscles that strain the vocal cords. The muscles that narrow the glottis can be divided into several groups: cricoarytenoid, thyroarytenoid, transverse and oblique arytenoid muscles. The only muscle that expands the glottis is the paired posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. The cricothyroid and vocal muscles are referred to as muscles that tense the vocal cords.

The structure of the larynx


In the cavity of the larynx, an entrance is distinguished. In front of this entrance is the epiglottis, on both sides - aryepiglottic folds, arytenoid cartilages have determined their location behind. The aryepiglottic folds are represented by sphenoid tubercles, and the arytenoid cartilages are represented by horn-shaped tubercles. Horn-shaped tubercles are located on the sides of the mucous membrane. In the cavity of the larynx there is a vestibule, an interventricular region and a subvocal region.

The vestibule of the larynx extends from the epiglottis to the vestibular folds. The mucous membrane forms folds of the vestibule. Between them is a vestibular gap.

Interventricular department- This is the narrowest part of the larynx. It stretches from the upper folds of the vestibule to the lower vocal cords. The narrowest part of the larynx is the glottis. It is formed by membranous tissue and intercartilaginous tissue.

The larynx has three layers:

  • Mucous
  • Fibrocartilaginous
  • connective tissue

The mucous membrane is formed by multinucleated prismatic epithelium. The vocal folds do not have this epithelium. They are formed by squamous non-keratinized epithelium. The fibrocartilaginous membrane is represented by hyaline cartilages and elastic cartilages. These cartilages are surrounded by fibrous connective tissue. Their main function is to provide a framework for the larynx. The connective tissue membrane serves as a link between the larynx and other formations of the neck.

Main functions

  • Protective
  • Respiratory
  • Voice-forming

Protective and respiratory functions go side by side, on the same level. The respiratory function ensures the flow of air into the lungs. Control and direction of air is due to the fact that the glottis has the function of contraction and expansion. The mucous membrane has a ciliated epithelium, which contains a huge number of glands.

It is these glands that carry out the protective function of the larynx. That is, if food gets into the vestibular apparatus, then due to the nerve endings that are located at the entrance to the larynx, a cough occurs. Coughing moves food from the larynx to the mouth.

It is necessary to know that the glottis closes reflexively when a foreign body enters it, as a result, laryngospasm can occur. And this is already very dangerous, such a condition can lead to suffocation and even death.

The voice-forming function is involved in the reproduction of speech, as well as the sonority of the voice. It should be noted that the height and sonority of the voice depend on the anatomical structure of the larynx. If the ligaments are not moistened enough, then friction occurs, and accordingly the elasticity of the ligaments is lost, and the voice becomes hoarse.

The human larynx is a rather complex anatomically and physiologically organ with an extensive complex of vessels (blood and lymphatic) and nerves. This organ is an integral part of the respiratory system; and, in addition, performs the function of voice formation.

The structural features of this organ are such that the air flow circulating in its cavity, due to contractions of the muscle fibers of the tongue, pharynx, oral cavity, is able to influence the shape of the laryngeal cavity and the degree of tension of the vocal cords, which affects the tone, pitch and musical modulations of the human voice, and also contributes to the transformation of sounds into articulate speech. This human ability is unique to anthropoids.

Larynx. Anatomy

Larynx as an organ. Location and structure of the human larynx

The larynx, located in the region of the cervical vertebrae from the fourth to the seventh, connects the pharynx with the trachea.

The larynx is a hollow organ. Its walls are formed three layers of fabrics:

  • from the inside, the organ is lined with a mucous membrane;
  • the middle layer is represented by striated muscles and cartilages of the larynx, forming a tube and fastened together by means of muscles and ligaments;
  • outside the larynx is covered with an outer connective tissue sheath.

On the anterior surface, the larynx is covered with layers of neck muscles that are below the level of the hyoid bone; on the sides, the upper part of the thyroid gland adjoins this organ, massive blood vessels lie here; on the back side, the pharynx, the reception, is adjacent to the organ, in its upper part it communicates with the larynx through the entrance to the larynx.

mucous membrane

From the inside, it is lined with a rather thin mucous membrane, which is

The mucous membrane is covered stratified ciliated epithelium("ciliated"). However, there are also areas covered with stratified squamous epithelium - this is the epiglottis, the non-fixed edges of the vocal folds - these are places subjected to mechanical stress. Part of the anatomical formations of the larynx contains connective tissue, which can swell when inflammatory processes occur. It is especially developed and swells especially intensively in patients belonging to the children's age groups.

The mucous membrane of the larynx contains a large number of glands, which are distributed over the entire area, with the exception of the area of ​​the free edge of the vocal folds.

Here are located in large numbers lymphatic bodies, especially large accumulations are found in the ventricles of the larynx, where they form the so-called laryngeal tonsils. Directly under the mucosa is the submucosal layer, consisting of fibrous-elastic tissue.

All muscles of the larynx are composed of striated fibers. Muscle fibers evenly intertwine the walls of the organ.

Muscles have the ability to both voluntary and reflex contractions.

According to the functional principle, among the muscles of the larynx, there are:

  • constrictors- muscles, the purpose of which is to narrow the glottis and the lumen of the larynx;
  • dilators- a group of muscles that cause expansion of the glottis and lumen of the organ;
  • a muscle group that can change the tone and position of the vocal cords.

The sternothyroid muscles are attached to the outer side of the thyroid cartilage, which, when contracted, lower the larynx.

cartilage

The cartilages that make up this organ are interconnected in a movable way, through joints, membranes and ligaments.

All cartilages of the larynx, except for the epiglottis, are hyaline.

The epiglottis is made up of elastic cartilage.

Unpaired cartilages

Paired cartilages

  1. arytenoid.
  2. Horn-shaped.
  3. wedge-shaped. Elongated cartilage, of variable size and shape, often rudimentary.

joints

The joints play a large and important role in the structure of this organ, and also make it as adapted to sound.

Voice apparatus

The degree of tension of the vocal cords, as well as the shape of the glottis, is regulated by the contraction of the internal muscles of the larynx. During exhalation, air passing through the glottis provokes vibration of the vocal cords - this is what happens vowel formation.

Blood supply, innervation and lymphatic drainage

The carotid and subclavian arteries supply this part of the respiratory system. Blood supply is carried out through the laryngeal arteries (upper and lower). The thyroid and parathyroid glands are supplied from the same arterial system.

The venous vessels are located in accordance with the arterial trunks of the same name and flow into the internal jugular veins.

lymphatic system developed much more than in other organs of the neck. In a clinical sense, this feature contributes to the active transport of infectious agents and metastases. Least of all in this organ the lymphatic channel is developed in the region of the vocal cords.

Innervation follows from the vagus nerve system.

Age changes

Depending on the age of the body, the structure of the larynx undergoes certain changes.

Gender dependent changes

Boys between the ages of twelve and fifteen rapid growth begins all anatomical formations of the organ - muscles, cartilage, ligaments. The vocal cords during this period are significantly lengthened.

Unlike boys, in the female body the growth of the "voice" organ is carried out gradually.

The internal structure of the human throat has a number of the same features as the part of the neck in front of the spinal column in some mammals, but, of course, there are differences, and there are many of them. The vagus nerves, carotid artery and other vital systems pass through the area from the hyoid bone to the handle of the clavicle. This part of the human body is the object of close study in otorhinolaryngology.

The human throat consists of two interconnected sections: pharynx and larynx. The anatomical structure of these parts of the human throat is directly related to the functions they perform.

How the human throat is arranged is described in detail on this page.

The structure of the human pharynx

The pharynx is the “gateway” leading to the two most important systems of our body - the respiratory and digestive systems. This tube, as if "suspended" to the base of the skull, connects the nasal cavity with the larynx and is divided into three parts: nasal, oral and laryngeal.

These photos show the structure of the human throat:





The nasopharynx can be safely called a "crossroads". Choanas (openings of the nasal cavity) go there, and on the sides (at the level of the lower nasal conchas) entrances to the auditory tubes are visible, leading straight to the tympanic cavities of the right and left ears. All openings are "protected" by accumulations of a special lymphoid tissue - pharyngeal - and tubal tonsils.

Below the nasopharynx is attached to the oropharynx, connected with the oral cavity by the arch of the pharynx. The upper borders of the pharynx are the soft palate and uvula, and the lower one is the root of the tongue (the anterior wall of the pharynx adjoins it with another "lurking" tonsil - lingual). The palatine arches are visible on the sides, in the niches of which paired palatine tonsils "sit in ambush". The back wall of the pharynx is also covered with lymphoid tissue and closes the so-called lymphatic pharyngeal ring. The laryngopharynx adjoins the epiglottis and the root of the tongue, gradually narrows and passes into the esophagus.

This shows how the human throat is arranged from the inside:

The tonsils got their name because of their resemblance to the bones of almonds, due to the loose structure of the lymphoid tissue.

In newborns, the tonsils are not developed; their formation, depending on the individual characteristics of the child, is completed by about six months or one year.

Below are a photo and description of the structure of the larynx as part of the human throat.

The structure of the human larynx

The larynx is attached by muscles to the hyoid bone and connects the nasopharynx with the lower respiratory tract - the trachea and lungs. The shape of this organ is provided by a system of cartilages that form a flexible, movable tube. The cricoid cartilage underlies the larynx, the thyroid serves as a framework, and the epiglottis works like a lid, protecting the airways from chewed food during swallowing. Paired cartilages (cuneiform, arytenoid, corniculate) strengthen the larynx, help it narrow and expand.

Look at the photo of how the human throat is arranged:

Inside, the larynx looks like an hourglass, in the middle of which there are elastic vocal cords that form an opening for air to pass through - the glottis.

The tone of the voice, its individual coloring are regulated by the length of the cords according to the principle: the shorter the length, the higher the timbre. The larynx is in constant motion: when exhaling and swallowing or singing, it rises, and when inhaling, the formation of low sounds, it falls.

The larynx and pharynx are connected with the breathing process: from the nose, the inhaled air passes through these sections and rushes further, into the trachea, to the lungs. Together they are involved in the reflex process of swallowing. The tissues of the pharynx protect against infection, and the structure of the larynx protects the airways from food entering them. The larynx "gives birth" to the voice, and the pharynx strengthens it.

In the article we will talk about what laryngeal cartilages are, find out how they make up the skeleton of the larynx, their types, purpose and features of using this knowledge in medical practice. It is the cartilages of the larynx that provide the elevation on the front surface of the neck, clearly visible through the outer integument. The larynx itself with its powerful frame is located at the level of the penultimate three cervical vertebrae - IV, V, VI.

Attention! In all mammals, the cervical spine is formed by 7 vertebrae, and this is not affected by the length of the neck. Even the giraffe is no exception.

The larynx itself is part of the upper respiratory tract, which passes into the trachea at approximately the level of the VII cervical vertebra. It occupies the most anterior position in the neck in relation to its other visceral components.

Behind is the pharynx, which subsequently passes into the esophagus, and with which the larynx communicates near the oral cavity. Large vessels of the neck lie on the sides - the carotid arteries and jugular veins, the good patency of which is critical for the full functioning of the human body. More about this in the video.

The photo shows the topographic anatomy of the neck, the larynx itself and its relationship to other organs located in the neck.

A little about the physiological significance

The larynx, as an organ of the respiratory system, plays an important role in carrying air down to the underlying sections through the trachea and bronchi, up to the lung tissue, for gas exchange and oxygenation of the blood. In addition, the larynx is a sound-producing organ, which, like a complex musical instrument, under the influence of exhaled air, forms sound due to the vibration of stretched vocal cords.

Important! It was speech, which arises due to the work of the larynx, that was one of the most important factors in human evolution.

Cartilaginous framework of the larynx

Like every musical instrument, the larynx has its own structure, in which a skeleton formed by cartilage tissue is distinguished. Cartilages are connected to each other through ligaments, joints and muscles. The latter set the organ in motion, due to which the degree of tension of the vocal cords and the size of the glottis change.

The structure of the cartilage of the larynx is represented by two groups, the division of which was based on the pairing of these components:

  1. Unpaired cartilages. Representatives of this group are the thyroid, cricoid and epiglottic cartilages.
  2. Paired. The small number of cartilages included in the group does not in any way reduce their significance. The arytenoid cartilage belongs to the paired cartilages of the larynx.

More about each

Cricoid cartilage of the larynx

Its name is fully justified by its shape. It consists of a wide plate and a closed arc, which, like a ring, comes out from both sides of the plate.

Thyroid cartilage

It is the largest cartilage of the larynx, consisting of two large plates that fuse at an angle. Located between the hyoid bone and the cricoid cartilage.

Attention! A similar fusion of the plates of the thyroid cartilage forms an elevation, which is clearly visible to the naked eye. In the people it is customary to call it "Adam's apple" or "Adam's apple". At the same time, in women and children, these plates converge rounded, due to which they do not have such a protrusion.

The thyroid and cricoid cartilages are connected to each other by the cricothyroid ligament. It plays an important role in the treatment of emergency conditions, when it is necessary to quickly restore airway patency with your own hands not in an operating room.

Important! A conicotomy is an emergency procedure performed when tilting the head back and retracting the mandible does not work with an obstructed airway. Most often this occurs when the airways are blocked by a foreign body. The price of time is extremely high in such a situation.

epiglottal cartilage

It has the shape of a petal and differs from the above in the type of cartilage tissue, namely, it consists of elastic cartilage tissue, while others are made of hyaline. It is attached directly to the root of the tongue.

It closes the entrance to the larynx when eating, and, conversely, opens the entrance when talking. That is why talking while eating increases the risk of airway obstruction by a foreign body.

arytenoid cartilage of the larynx

It has the appearance of trihedral pyramids, which are directly related to the vocal cords, to which they are attached with their anterior process. Their second process is attached to the relaxer muscles, which play a role in the formation of the voice by changing the tension of the vocal cords.

Diseases accompanied by damage to the cartilage of the larynx

This:

  • fracture of the cartilaginous larynx;
  • inflammatory processes (epiglottitis in children);
  • the spread of a malignant tumor of the larynx to the cartilage area (especially the epiglottis (see. ));
  • dislocations and subluxations.

traumatic injury

The most common diseases of the laryngeal cartilage are traumatic effects on the skeleton of the larynx. Aggressive sports such as hockey, kickboxing and even baseball can be the cause. That is why athletes often use various protective devices to prevent, for example, a fracture of the cartilage of the larynx.

The thyroid and cricoid cartilages are most commonly affected. They lead to submucosal hemorrhages and edema, obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. Due to damage to the vocal cords or laryngeal nerve, significant hoarseness of the voice is also possible, up to a temporary loss of the ability to speak.

Dislocation of the laryngeal cartilage is also a traumatic condition, and can occur both in sports and in violent acts, such as strangulation. It can be either partial - with the defeat of only one joint, or complete.

Clinically, it will be manifested by cyanosis of the skin, an acute feeling of lack of air, dizziness. The intervention of a medical specialist is required.

In any traumatic condition, except for shortness of breath, the patient will be disturbed by pain when swallowing in the region of the laryngeal cartilages, but its severity is different with different intensity of the applied force.

cartilage fracture Dislocation or subluxation of cartilage
Pain The pain is aggravated by talking, moving the head. Often, a strong intensity of the pain impulse can lead to loss of consciousness. Pain is moderate and not a primary symptom
Other signs Dysphagia, severe cough, hoarseness Suffocation and blueness of the skin
Inspection Possible displacement of the protrusion of the thyroid cartilage to the side. Gradually increasing swelling of the neck and crepitus, aggravated by palpation of the cartilage Requires laryngoscopy, which shows a change in the lumen of the larynx and limited mobility of the vocal folds

Inflammatory processes in the cartilage of the larynx

While children under the influence of viral etiology can develop epiglottitis, adults can be affected by another ailment - chondroperichondritis. Very often it is a consequence of a previously inflicted injury in this area. It begins with an inflammatory process of the perichondrium, further affecting the cartilage itself.

Another inflammatory condition may be arthritis of the cartilage of the larynx. Often it has an autoimmune etiology and associated symptoms from other organs and tissues. The cricoarytenoid joint is most susceptible to this process.

In the first case, the thyroid cartilage of the larynx is more often affected, and, accordingly, the area where it is located hurts.

Attention! It is important to know that there is no such thing as laryngeal cartilage cancer. Sometimes this is popularly called stage III-IV laryngeal cancer, when the process itself has already affected the mucous membrane of the epiglottic cartilage.

In conclusion, it is important to note that knowledge of anatomy can not only help in providing emergency care, as in conicotomy, but also greatly facilitates the understanding of various pathological processes in this area.