Larynx: functions and structure. Functions of the human larynx

Everything in the human body is thought through to the smallest detail, and every single organ is responsible for its work site. Right now I want to talk about what is the larynx. The functions and structure of this body will be discussed in this article.

Main terminology

At the very beginning, it is necessary to understand the terms and concepts that will be actively used in the text of the article. So, the larynx is first and foremost a hollow organ, a special and most important part of the entire respiratory system. It consists of a mass of muscles and cartilages, which are located between the pharynx and the trachea and perform the most important task assigned to them: complete the respiratory tract. In short, the functions of the larynx: voice formation, as well as the transfer of oxygen into the lungs.

Structure of the larynx

Now it is clear what the 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 with the hyoid bone, as well as ligaments. From above it will dock with the pharynx, from below - with the trachea. The larynx itself is the so-called cartilaginous skeleton, which is represented by the following very large cartilages:

• Arytenoid;
• Coroniform;
• Wedge shaped.

The very basis of this body is a carpal cartilage, which is named so because its very structure resembles a ring. It is interesting that you can also find it yourself. It is directly under the Adam's apple, or, in other words, the "Adam's apple".

The larynx is covered by an epiglottis - a special unpaired cartilage that protects the respiratory tract from ingestion of food, as well as various foreign objects. The arythritic cartilages are located on the back wall of the larynx. By themselves, they are mobile, so the gap between them can both expand and contract, depending on the need.

Muscles of the larynx

Considering such an organ as the larynx, the structure and functions can not be ignored. It should be noted that the muscles in the larynx structure are of major importance. They are external and internal.

The main goal of the external muscles is to lower and raise this organ. There are 4:

• Chestnut-sublingual;
• Shizhlotochatochnaya;
• Sternotum;
• Hypoglossary.

The subdivision of internal muscles is even more voluminous. So, they fall into four main categories:

1. The first two muscles are responsible for the expansion, as well as the narrowing of the glottis.
2. The third muscle works for the tension of the vocal cords.
3. The fourth provides movement of such a small organ as an epiglottis.

Another about the structure of the larynx

It is also important to remember that there are other components of the larynx.

• The thyroid artery helps to supply this organ with blood. Outflow of it occurs through the upper jugular vein.
• The larynx itself consists of three departments: vestibular, medium, and post-folding space.
• The innervation of the larynx is provided by the branches of the nerve, which is called wandering.

Function of larynx 1. Conductive

Considering such an organ as the larynx, its functions can not be ignored. Initially, it should be noted that the larynx is the conduit. It transmits air through the cavity into the lungs, which ensures the normal operation of the entire respiratory system. It is important to note that this organ can influence the depth, as well as the rhythm of respiratory movements due to its expansion or narrowing. It all depends on how much the larynx "liked" the air that the person inhaled.

Function of the larynx 2. Respiratory

We then consider the main functions of the larynx. From the previous paragraph smoothly follows: this body takes a direct part in the respiratory system. The amount of air that is delivered to the lower respiratory tract is regulated by expansion and contraction of the larynx. It is worth noting that if a person breathes normally, calmly, the voice gap widens a little. With deep breathing, it greatly expands, and when the air is trapped, it narrows narrowly.

Function of the larynx 3. Protective

Further we consider the functions of the larynx. It is necessary to mention one of the most important of her tasks - protection. So, during ingestion of food, the epiglottis has the property of descending, so that the larynx rises a little. As a consequence, it becomes impossible to get food into the lumen of this organ, which could negatively affect its functioning. Raising the epiglottis is the first protective barrier. The next is the strongest cough that occurs after particles of food enter the larynx. Thus the body throws out the unnecessary of this organ. The third protective level is the presence of bactericidal mucus, lymphatic nodules and ciliated epithelium.

Function 4. Voice formation

What other function does the larynx perform? So, it is very important to say that this particular organ is a voice-forming organism. That is, it is the larynx that allows people to talk and communicate to the interlocutor the desired information. But singling out 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 color.

It is also important to note that some hormones can affect the activity and function of the vocal cords. For example, the hormones of the gonads, adrenals, thyroid gland and pituitary gland. That is why during puberty (in the period from 12 to 16 years) a person can change or "break" the voice.

Briefly about all the functions of the larynx

Having considered in detail all the functions of the human larynx, as a small conclusion it would be desirable to provide a short list for a quicker acquaintance:

1. The larynx carries the air from the trachea one way and to the nasopharynx into the other.
2. The most important functions of the larynx: control the amount and quality of incoming air.
3. The larynx controls the depth, as well as the rhythm of the person's breathing.
4. What else does the larynx? The functions of this body are protection against the ingress of food particles and other foreign elements into its cavity. In this case, three basic defense mechanisms come into operation.
5. What other functions of the larynx? This body takes a direct part in the creation of the voice. It is here that all sounds are born, which later form the usual human speech.

Diseases of the larynx

Having understood what the larynx is, the functions of this body, we also need to say a few words about what problems and diseases can affect it.

1. Abnormal development. In this case, it is a congenital defect of the membrane. You can cope with this only with the help of surgery. And the sooner it is done (in earlier childhood), the better for the person himself.
2. 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 manifests itself by changing the voice, dyspnea, and involuntary tipping of the child's head back.
3. Burns of the larynx. You can get them because of various chemicals. In this case, this body begins to swell, and there will also be strong pain. If the vocal cords are affected at the same time, then the voice may change.
4. Inflammatory processes. These problems can cause such a disease as the above-described stenosis. Children with respiratory depression are noisy, there may be problems with inhalation. There may also be a feeling of lack of oxygen.

Having considered the structure and functions of the human larynx, one can draw a simple conclusion that this is the most important organ in our body. That is why, with the slightest suspicion of his illness, one should apply for a doctor's help. To be engaged in a selftreatment in that case can be even dangerous to health.