Description
The laryngeal cavity is the region between the laryngeal inlet and the inferior margin of the cricoid cartilage. The walls of the laryngeal cavity are coated with a mucous membrane which lines the cartilaginous framework and its adjoining membranes. The cavity can be divided into upper, middle and inferior portions.
The upper part of the laryngeal cavity is defined as the region from the laryngeal inlet and aryepiglottic fold superiorly to the laryngeal vestibule inferiorly. The laryngeal inlet is the junction between the larynx and pharynx and is bound anteriorly by the epiglottis and posteriorly by the arytenoid cartilages. Connecting these two regions is the aryepiglottic folds. The laryngeal vestibule sits between the laryngeal inlet and the vestibular fold.
The middle portion of the laryngeal cavity is also called the ventricle. It is bounded by the vestibular folds superiorly and the vocal folds inferiorly. Thus, it is defined as the region from the rima vestibule (space between the vestibular folds) to the rima glottidis (space between the vocal folds) inferiorly. The ventricle also contains a region called the saccule which contains secretory glands which keep the vocal folds moist.
The lower portion of the laryngeal cavity is also called the infraglottic or subglottic cavity. It is defined as the region between the vocal cords and the inferior margin of the cricoid cartilage. It is continuous with the trachea, inferiorly.
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Laryngeal Cavity
The laryngeal cavity extends from the tip of the epiglottis and lateral borders of the epiglottis to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage, which is adjacent and superior to the first tracheal ring.
