laring

Laring is a term used in several languages to refer to the larynx, the organ located in the neck that is part of the respiratory tract and plays a key role in voice production. In English, the corresponding term is larynx. The laring acts as an air passage, a protector of the lower airway, and a key component of speech.

Anatomy and structure: The laring is cartilaginous and muscular, supported by the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottic cartilages, with paired arytenoid, corniculated, and cuneiform cartilages forming its interior framework. Its interior includes the glottis (the space between the vocal folds) and the laryngeal vestibule. The vocal folds, housed within the laring, vibrate to produce sound. The laring is lined by respiratory epithelium in most areas, with stratified squamous epithelium covering the vocal folds where friction is highest.

Function: The laring serves three primary roles: maintaining an open airway, protecting the airway during swallowing via the epiglottis and reflexes, and enabling phonation through vocal fold tension and movement controlled by intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal muscles. Nerve supply is provided mainly by the vagus nerve and its branches, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve.

Clinical aspects: Common conditions include laryngitis (inflammation of the laring), voice disorders such as nodules or polyps, and laryngeal cancer. Diagnosis often involves laryngoscopy or stroboscopy, while treatment depends on the condition and may include voice therapy, medication, or surgery.

See also: Larynx, phonation, vocal cords.