Larynx Brendon Degner Introduction The Larynx is located

Larynx Brendon Degner

Introduction The Larynx is located in the throat area. In men it can be seen as the Adams apple. It is responsible for making sounds. It is mainly composed of cartilage and muscle

Basic Structure The Larynx is located in your throat. In men this is known as the Adams apple. This body system is responsible for making sounds, The Larynx holds the vocal cords. They are white do to minimal air circulation.

Function The function of the Larynx is to produce sound The Larynx hosts the vocal cords which vibrate when air passes through them. This sound is then altered by the mouth and tongue to form speech It is also involved in breathing and swallowing

Air’s Trip 1. Air is forced out of the lungs by the diaphragm. 2. It passes through the trachea and into the Larynx. 3. It comes through the larynx with different pressure and for different amounts of time, giving us longer and shorter sounds. 4. This air then vibrates the vocal cords to give us sound.

Location The Larynx is part of the Respiratory System. It is located between the Epiglottis and Trachea.

How it Works (Breathing) The cartilage around the Vocal cords allow for them to open and let air in. When not in the process of swallowing the Larynx is always open allowing air in. The epiglottis hangs over the esophagus and away from the Larynx to allow for full air inhalation

…(Swallowing) When swallowing occurs, the Larynx is covered by the epiglottis. This shuts off the respiratory tract to prevent food or water from entering. To aid with swallowing, the larynx moves up and forward to help open the esophagus and allow for easier ingestion.

…(Talking) Two flaps of tissue inside the Larynx (vocal cords) are responsible for making sound They vibrate when air is passed through them to produce sound. Different pitches are achieved by how much these flaps contract and vibrate. More vibration means a higher pitch This process is called Phonation

…Continued In men the vocal cords tend to be larger and thicker. This results in less vibration and therefore a deeper voice (approximately 1. 752. 5 cm long and vibrate at approximately 125 Hz) Woman’s vocal cords tend to be smaller and thinner which causes more vibration and a higher pitch. (Approximately 1. 25 -1. 75 cm long and vibrate at approximately 210 Hz.

Vocal Cord Illness Vocal Cord Nodules Laryngitis

Vocal Cord Nodules These occur from misuse of the vocal cords or over use (these are common in singers) They are small calluses on the vocal cord flaps that prevent them from meeting in the middle. Common symptoms are, hoarseness, low pitched voice, sore throat, decreased range in pitch, and voice fatigue.

Laryngitis This • • • illness can occur from many things including Vocal abuse Allergies Viral Infection Reflux of stomach acids Exposure to irritating substances, such as cigarette smoke or too much alcohol

Continued Laryngitis is the swelling/ inflammation of vocal cords This results in change of speech and a dry or sore throat, more severe systems can include losing the voice completely.

Laryngitis Treatment does not normally require antibiotics. Some basic things that can be done to help cure Laryngitis include resting the voice, adding humidity to the air and staying away from smoke

References http: //emedicine. medscape. com/article/1949369 - overview http: //www. sciencedaily. com/articles/v/vocal_folds. htm http: //www. asha. org/public/speech/disorders/Nodu les. Polyps/ http: //www. texasvoicecenter. com/diseases. html http: //www. drugs. com/health-guide/vocal-corddisorders. html