Functional larynx in 3 x normal size

Anatomically, the model shows the different cartilages that make up the throat, as well as some of the ligaments that connect the individual cartilages to each other. The model does not show the throat muscles.



The following cartilage appears:



Larynx (epiglottis)
The thyroid gland (cartilago thyroidea)
The cricoid cartilage (cartilago cricoidea)
The arytenoid cartilages (cartilago arytenoidea)
Cartilagines corniculatae (sits on top of the snout cartilages)


Furthermore, it can be seen how the lower cartilage (annular cartilage) is connected to the windpipe (trachea), which consists of horseshoe-shaped cartilage rings, while the upper cartilage (thyroid cartilage) is connected to the bone of the tongue (os hyoideum).

In terms of movement, the model can be used to understand how the movement of the cartilages in relation to each other changes how tense or relaxed the vocal cords are, and thus how the tone of the sound produced becomes.



The vocal folds are the structures that extend from the front projections of the rostral cartilages to the back of the thyroid cartilage.



The snout cartilages can be moved by pulling on the string that connects the two snout cartilages. When you do this, it is demonstrated how the vocal folds are pulled to opposite sides because the vocal fold cartilages are rotated so that the vocal fold (the space between the two vocal folds) between them becomes larger.



In addition, the epiglottis is movable and can be folded down over the opening to the throat via a small spring. This happens, for example, during the sinking.

Clinically, the model can be used to understand various diseases and the like in the larynx, such as epiglottitis and vocal cord polyps.



Furthermore, the throat model can be used to understand examination methods such as laryngoscopy and treatments such as throat surgery.