Everything in the human body is thought out to the smallest detail, and each individual organ is responsible for its own area of work. Right now I want to talk about what the larynx is. The functions and structure of this organ will be discussed in this article.
Main terminology
At the very beginning, it is imperative to understand the terms and concepts that will be actively used in the text of the article. So, the larynx is primarily a hollow organ, a special and most important part of the entire respiratory system. It consists of a mass of muscles and cartilage, which are located between the pharynx and trachea and perform the most important task assigned to them: to complete the airways. In short, the functions of the larynx are: voice production, as well as the transport of oxygen to the lungs.
The structure of the larynx
Now it's clear what a larynx is. The structure and functions of this organ are very important. It is located in the region from the 4th to the 6th cervical vertebra. It is important to note that the larynx is connected to the hyoid bone, as well as ligaments. From above, it docks with the pharynx, below - with the trachea. The larynx itselfis the so-called cartilaginous skeleton, which is represented by the following very large cartilages:
- arytenoid;
- horn-shaped;
- wedge-shaped.
The very basis of this organ is the cricoid cartilage, which is named so because its very structure resembles a ring. Interestingly, you can also find it yourself. It is located directly under the Adam's apple, or, in other words, "Adam's apple".
The larynx is covered by the epiglottis - a special unpaired cartilage that protects the respiratory tract from food and various foreign objects. The arytenoid cartilages are located on the back wall of the larynx. By themselves, they are mobile, so the gap between them can either expand or narrow, depending on the need.
Muscles of the larynx
Considering such an organ as the larynx, its structure and functions cannot be ignored. It should be noted that muscles are of the utmost importance in the structure of the larynx. They are external and internal.
The main purpose of the external muscles is to lower and raise this organ. There are 4 of them:
- sternohyoid;
- stylopharyngeal;
- sternothyroid;
- shirohyoid.
The subdivision of internal muscles is even more voluminous. So, they are divided into four main categories:
- The first two muscles are responsible for the expansion and contraction of the glottis.
- The third muscle works to ensure that the tension of the vocal cords occurs.
- Fourthprovides movement for such a small organ as the epiglottis.
Other about the structure of the larynx
It is also important to remember that there are other constituent elements of the larynx.
- The thyroid artery helps supply this organ with blood. Its outflow occurs through the superior jugular vein.
- The larynx itself consists of three sections: the vestibular, middle, and post-fold space.
- Innervation of the larynx is provided by branches of a nerve called the vagus.
Function of the larynx 1. Conductive
Considering such an organ as the larynx, its functions cannot be ignored. Initially, it should be noted that the larynx is a conductor. It transmits air through its cavity to the lungs, which ensures the normal operation of the entire respiratory system. It is important to note that this organ, due to its expansion or narrowing, is able to influence the depth, as well as the rhythm of respiratory movements. It all depends on how much the larynx “liked” the air that the person inhaled.
Function of the larynx 2. Respiratory
We further consider the main functions of the larynx. The following follows smoothly from the previous paragraph: this organ is directly involved in the respiratory system. The amount of air supplied to the lower respiratory tract is regulated by the expansion and contraction of the larynx. It is worth noting that if a person breathes normally, calmly, the glottis expands a little. With deep breathing, it expands greatly, and with retentionair - border narrows.
Function of the larynx 3. Protective
Next we consider the functions of the larynx. Be sure to mention one of its most important tasks - protection. So, while swallowing food, the epiglottis tends to fall, due to which the larynx rises slightly. As a result, it becomes impossible for food to enter the lumen of this organ, which could negatively affect its work. The elevation of the epiglottis is the first protective barrier. The next one is the strongest cough, which occurs after particles of food enter the larynx. Thus, the body throws out unnecessary things from this organ. The third protective level is the presence of bactericidal mucus, lymph nodes and ciliated epithelium.
Function 4. Voice formation
What other function does the larynx perform? So, it is very important to say that this particular body is the voice-forming one. That is, it is the larynx that allows people to speak and convey the desired information to the interlocutor. But the selection of a “living voice” is already the work of other bodies. Various sounds are born in the larynx. It is here that they acquire a special emotional coloring.
It is also important to note that certain hormones can affect the activity and function of the vocal cords. For example, the hormones of the sex glands, adrenal glands, thyroid gland and pituitary gland. That is why during puberty (from 12 to 16 years old) a person's voice may change or “break” voice.
Brieflyabout all the functions of the larynx
Having examined in detail all the functions of the human larynx, as a small conclusion, I would like to provide a short list of them for faster reference:
- The larynx conducts air from the trachea in one direction and to the nasopharynx in the other.
- The most important functions of the larynx: control the quantity and quality of incoming air.
- The larynx controls the depth as well as the rhythm of a person's breathing.
- What else does the larynx do? The functions of this organ are to protect against the ingress of food particles and other foreign elements into its cavity. In this case, three main defense mechanisms come into play.
- What other functions of the larynx are there? This organ is directly involved in the creation of the voice. It is here that all sounds are born, which later add up to the usual human speech.
Diseases of the larynx
Having understood what the larynx is, the functions of this organ, we also need to say a few words about what problems and diseases can affect it.
- Anomalous development. In this case, we are talking about a congenital defect of the membrane. This can only be de alt with through surgery. And the sooner this is done (at an earlier childhood), the better for the person himself.
- Acute stenosis. It occurs most often in children who have not yet reached the age of five. The causes of this problem are very diverse. The disease is manifested by a change in voice, shortness of breath, as well as involuntarytilting the child's head back.
- Burns of the larynx. You can get them because of various chemicals. In this case, this organ will begin to swell, there will also be severe pain. If the vocal cords are affected, the voice may also change.
- Inflammatory processes. These problems can just cause such a disease as the above-described stenosis. In sick children, breathing is noisy, there may be problems with inhalation. There may also be a feeling of lack of oxygen.
Having examined the structure and functions of the human larynx, we can make a simple conclusion that this is the most important organ in our body. That is why, at the slightest suspicion of his disease, one should seek medical help. Self-medication in this case can even be dangerous to he alth.
