laryngotracheale

Laryngotracheale is a term used to describe the anatomical region comprising the larynx and trachea, together with the airway segment between them. In human anatomy, the laryngotracheal region begins at the laryngeal inlet above and extends to the carina where the trachea bifurcates into the main bronchi.

The larynx houses the vocal folds and is protected by the thyroid and cricoid cartilages; the trachea consists of C-shaped hyaline cartilage rings and a posterior muscular wall formed by the trachealis muscle. The mucosa is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells, which humidifies and clears inhaled air.

Nerves: the region receives innervation primarily from branches of the vagus nerve, including the superior laryngeal nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which provide sensory and motor input to the larynx and parts of the trachea.

Function: the laryngotracheal apparatus conducts air to the lungs, protects the lower airway during swallowing, and, in the larynx, enables voice production.

Embryology: the laryngotracheal tube arises from the foregut as the laryngotracheal groove and diverticulum around weeks 4–5, later partitioning into the larynx and trachea with cartilaginous and muscular development; lumen recanalization occurs after a transient occlusion.

Clinical significance: inflammation or infection of the laryngotracheal region, such as acute laryngotracheitis (often termed croup in children), subglottic stenosis, trauma from intubation, and congenital anomalies can affect airway patency and voice.