Laryngeal cavity
Cavitas laryngis
RespiratoryOrgansNeck
- What it is
- The air space inside the larynx from the inlet behind the epiglottis to the lower border of the cricoid, pinched at the vocal folds (glottis) into an upper vestibule, the small lateral ventricles and a lower infraglottic cavity.
- Function
- Air passage between pharynx and trachea; the glottis acts as the valve controlling voice and airway protection.
- Size
- About 5 cm long; the glottis is its narrowest part in adults.
- Clinical note
- The laryngeal ventricles between the true and false vocal folds contain mucous glands that keep the vocal folds lubricated.