strottenhoofdregio

The strottenhoofdregio (laryngeal region) denotes the anatomical region in the neck surrounding the larynx. It encompasses the larynx itself and adjacent structures, including parts of the hypopharynx and the upper trachea, as well as the surrounding soft tissues.

Anatomical boundaries commonly described for the strottenhoofdregio include the superior boundary at the hyoid bone, the inferior boundary near the cricoid cartilage where the airway continues into the trachea, and lateral boundaries formed by the carotid sheaths. Posteriorly it lies in relation to the prevertebral fascia and the pharyngeal walls.

Key structures within the region are the laryngeal skeleton (thyroid and cricoid cartilages, arytenoid cartilages), the epiglottis, the true and false vocal cords, the laryngeal ventricles, and the mucosa of the laryngeal inlet. Intrinsic muscles (such as cricothyroid, posterior and lateral cricoarytenoids, thyroarytenoid) and several extrinsic muscles control movement of the larynx.

Nerve supply is provided by branches of the vagus nerve, notably the superior laryngeal nerve (internal branch for mucosal sensation above the glottis and the external branch to the cricothyroid muscle) and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (motor to most intrinsic muscles and sensory below the vocal folds). Blood supply comes from the superior and inferior laryngeal arteries.

Functions include phonation, airway protection during swallowing, and regulation of breathing. The strottenhoofdregio is evaluated in conditions such as hoarseness, laryngitis, and suspected laryngeal tumors, typically with laryngoscopy and imaging. Disorders in this region can require airway management or surgical intervention.