LINB09H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Diaphragmatic Breathing, Diacritic, Vocal Tract
Document Summary
The larynx is a complex structure, cylindrical in shape, composed of cartilages held together by ligaments, and supporting several muscles. Crucial to sound production are the vocal folds: horizo(cid:374)tal shel(cid:448)es of (cid:373)us(cid:272)les a(cid:374)d liga(cid:373)e(cid:374)t lyi(cid:374)g just (cid:271)ehi(cid:374)d the ada(cid:373)(cid:859)s apple. The vocal folds are often called vocal cords: they prevent foreign objects from entering the lungs. When close, they stabilise the rib cage when the lungs are inflated: good when lifting heavy, in defecation and in child birth. The larynx sits atop the trachea, a tube made up of a series of cartilaginous rings and resembling a vacuum-sweeper hose coming up from the lungs. Above the trachea is the cricoid cartilage, shaped like a signet ring with the shield at the back. Above the cricoid cartilage is a plough-shaped cartilage called the thyroid cartilage. It also provides a shield for the vocal folds, which are attached at the rear of the point for(cid:373)i(cid:374)g ada(cid:373)(cid:859)s apple.
