Larynx

The fact that we humans differ significantly from animals also has to do with our ability to communicate using language. This is a very complicated process that involves many bodily functions. An important part of the language is Larynx.

What is the larynx

Schematic representation of the anatomy of the larynx. Click to enlarge.

Of the Larynx is a complex apparatus, which consists mainly of cartilage tissue (thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, epiglottis and anterior cartilage), ligaments and muscles and ensures that a person can make sounds that enable them to speak, sing or laugh.

The larynx, in medical terminology as larynx called, sits in the middle of the neck of the person, its location is particularly visible in men through the Adam's apple, which women naturally also have.

His movements, such as swallowing and speaking, are clearly visible when observed. Animals also have a larynx, which, however, differs slightly in its structure. Some animals can make sounds but cannot speak.

Anatomy & structure

Of the larynx lies below the throat (pharynx), its seat can be "felt" by conscious swallowing. In the larynx, the vocal cords (also called vocal folds) are loosely attached and can thus vibrate freely and are thus able to generate sounds with the help of the air when exhaling in a controlled manner. In simple terms, this is how our speech is created.

Since the larynx is very close to the esophagus, it is equipped with what is known as the epiglottis, which closes the windpipe (trachea) when swallowing so that no food can get into the airways. The urge to cough can also ensure that foreign bodies are transported from the esophagus up towards the oral cavity. The larynx is therefore a very sophisticated system that for the most part fulfills its function very unconsciously.

Since food passes through the larynx when eating, our speech sounds harsh and documented if we have not swallowed properly, as is the case with infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract, for example when the voice is "mucous".

Functions & tasks

Of the Larynx is mainly responsible for the development of language in humans, for voice formation (phonation) and is therefore an important basis for our communication.

The larynx therefore has two functions: The formation of the voice and the protection of the windpipe and airways through the swallowing process and the swallowing reflex. The back part of the tongue (base of the tongue) is firmly connected to the larynx, which on the one hand serves the swallowing process and on the other hand regulates language.

Singers use this property to create and vary vowels in different ways and to give the voice a deeper sound. Especially in classical music, where a large resonance space is required, a characteristic sound is achieved by means of various techniques that seem to pull the larynx "down".

Diseases

As common and typical diseases of the Larynx include inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis) and cancer of the larynx (laryngeal carcinoma). The latter is particularly common in smokers and can take on very aggressive forms.

Diseases of the larynx are usually acquired diseases, congenital malformations of the larynx are extremely rare. Inflammatory larynx diseases are usually associated with infections of the respiratory tract. Diphtheria (croup, inflammation of the larynx) and pseudocroup (laryngitis subglottica, inflammation just below the vocal cords) should also be mentioned here.

One disease feared among singers is the vocal cord polyps or vocal cord nodules, also known as "scream nodules" or "singer nodules". Anyone who speaks a lot, sings a lot, or generally subjects their voice to extraordinary stress can develop vocal cord nodules as a result of permanent overloading of the vocal cords.

Infants who cry a lot can also get it. Often only a surgical procedure helps here, but in any case it is absolutely forbidden to speak for several weeks. A stroke can also affect the voice; hemiplegia can affect one of the two vocal cords, resulting in hoarse speech.