Larynx: anatomy, location and function
The Epiglottis of the Larynx
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The 
epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of tissues that projects obliquely from the top of the larynx.
- Its shape and position are supported by a band of elastic cartilage, which attaches to the posterior of the thyroid cartilage by a small ligament.
- A midsagittal view of the mouth, nasal cavity, and throat shows the location of the epiglottis relative to the tongue and pharynx.
Have you been making any of these common anatomy learning mistakes?
- During the swallowing process, the extrinsic muscles attached to the larynx
move upward. The flexible epiglottis flattens as it strikes the base of the tongue and covers the opening to the larynx.
- Food passes into the esophagus instead of entering the larynx.
- Once the food enters the esophagus, the extrinsic muscles relax, the larynx returns to its original position, and the respiratory passageway reopens.
Related Articles
Vocal Cords (Vocal Folds) & Vestibular Folds of the Larynx
There are two pairs of soft tissue folds projecting into the lumen of the larynx. The inferior folds are the vocal folds and the superior folds are the vestibular folds.
Thyroid and Cricoid Cartilages of the Larynx
The largest laryngeal cartilage is the thyroid cartilage. Inferior to the thyroid cartilage is the ring-shaped cricoid cartilage. Along with the epiglottis, they represent the large cartilages of the larynx.
Small Cartilages of the Larynx – Arytenoid, Corniculate, & Cuneiform Cartilages
The larynx includes several muscles, cartilages and ligaments. All help to provide support or regulate vocal ligaments.
