The Larynx

The larynx is relatively short. The lamina of the cricoid cartilage is wide; the arch is grooved laterally. The laminæ of the thyroid cartilage are high, but short; they unite ventrally to form the body, on which there is anteriorly a marked prominence, and posteriorly a deep notch. The oblique line on the outer surface of the lamina is prominent. There is a rounded notch (Fissura thyreoidea) below the short anterior cornua for the passage of the superior laryngeal nerve. The posterior cornu is strong, and has a rounded surface for articulation with the cricoid cartilage. The arytenoid cartilages are relatively small, and have between them a small interarytenoid cartilage. The epiglottis is quadrilateral; its lower part or stalk is narrow, fitting into the angle of the thyroid cartilage. The cuneiform cartilages are large and somewhat crescent-shaped; they are not blended with the epiglottis.

The false vocal cords extend from the cuneiform cartilages to the thyroid. The true vocal cords are large and prominent. The entrance to the large lateral ventricle and saccule is a long slit parallel with the anterior margin of the true vocal cord.

The crico-thyroid muscle is thick. The hyo-epiglotticus is well developed, and is double at its hyoid attachment. The anterior part of the thyro-arytenoideus arises on the cuneiform cartilage. Hence Lesbre has suggested the name cuneo-arytenoideus for it.