The laryngeal inlet (laryngeal aditus, laryngeal aperture) is the opening that connects the

pharynx The pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the oesophagus and trachea (the tubes going down to the stomach and the lungs). It is found in vertebrates and invertebrates, though its struc ...

and the

larynx The larynx (), commonly called the voice box, is an organ in the top of the neck involved in breathing, producing sound and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The opening of larynx into pharynx known as the laryngeal inlet is about ...

Borders

Its borders are formed by: * the free curved edge of the

epiglottis The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap in the throat that prevents food and water from entering the trachea and the lungs. It stays open during breathing, allowing air into the larynx. During swallowing, it closes to prevent aspiration of food int ...

, anteriorly * the

arytenoid cartilage The arytenoid cartilages () are a pair of small three-sided pyramids which form part of the larynx. They are the site of attachment of the vocal cords. Each is pyramidal or ladle-shaped and has three surfaces, a base, and an apex. The arytenoid ...

s, the

corniculate cartilage The corniculate cartilages (cartilages of Santorini) are two small conical nodules consisting of elastic cartilage, which articulate with the summits of the arytenoid cartilages and serve to prolong them posteriorly and medially. They are situate ...

s, and the

interarytenoid fold The interarytenoid fold is a small ligament in the posterior larynx. See also * Arytenoid cartilage Ligaments of the head and neck {{ligament-stub ...

, posteriorly * the

aryepiglottic fold The aryepiglottic folds are triangular folds of mucous membrane of the larynx. They enclose ligamentous and muscular fibres. They extend from the lateral borders of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages, hence the name 'aryepiglottic'. They ...

, laterally

Additional Images

File:Slide2kuku.JPG, Deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind File:Slide3kuku.JPG, Deep dissection of larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind

References

* *

External links

* - (listed as 'Inlet of the larynx') {{Authority control Human head and neck