Framework of Phonatory System

Framework of Phonatory System

1. Hyoid Bone: horseshoe-shaped bone situated in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage. Primary Function is to anchor the tongue.

2. Larynx: Found in the anterior region of the neck. Primary function is to act as a protective mechanism/valve for the lower respiratory passageway

   • Membranes
     • Extrinsic Membranes: anchor the larynx in place
     • Intrinsic Membranes: almost all are part of a single, continuous layer of firboeslastic tissue called the elastic membrane
   • Cartilages
     • Thyroid Cartilage: largest of laryngeal cartilages; forms the Adam's apple
     • Cricoid Cartilage: forms the inferior wall of the larynx; attaches to the top of the trachea
     • Arytenoid Cartilage: influence the position and tension of the vocal folds
     • Cuneiform and Corniculate Cartilage: paired cartilages that provide stability to the aryepilogittic folds
   • Muscles
     • Intrinsic Muscles: responsible for controlling sound production
       • Thyroarytenoids, posterior cricoarytenoid, lateral cricoarytenoids, oblique arytenoids, transverse arytenoids, and cricothyroids.
     • Extrinsic Muscles: support and position the larynx
       • Suprahyoid: digastricus, stylohyoid, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, hyoglossus, and genioglossus
       • Infrahyoid: thyrohyoid, sternohyoid, and omomohyoid
   • Neural Innervation
     • Intrinsic: receive motor innervation from Vagus Nerve
     • Extrinsic: receive innervation from either Facial, Hypoglossal, or Cranial Nerve