larynxmusklerna

Larynxmusklerna, commonly known as the muscles of the larynx or voice box, are a group of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles located in the neck. These muscles play a crucial role in voice production, breathing, and swallowing. The intrinsic muscles are entirely contained within the larynx and are responsible for altering the tension and position of the vocal cords, which in turn changes the pitch and quality of the voice. Key intrinsic muscles include the cricothyroid muscle, which tenses the vocal cords for higher pitches, and the thyroarytenoid muscle, which can relax or shorten the vocal cords. The posterior cricoarytenoid muscle is the sole abductor of the vocal cords, opening them for breathing.

The extrinsic muscles of the larynx connect the larynx to surrounding structures like the hyoid bone and the sternum. These muscles are primarily involved in moving the entire larynx up or down during swallowing and speech. They are categorized into suprahyoid muscles (above the hyoid bone) and infrahyoid muscles (below the hyoid bone). The suprahyoid muscles, such as the digastric and mylohyoid, elevate the larynx, aiding in swallowing. The infrahyoid muscles, including the sternohyoid and thyrohyoid, depress the larynx. The coordinated action of all these muscles is essential for the complex functions of the larynx.