The rima glottidis is the opening between the two true
vocal cords anteriorly, and the two
arytenoid cartilages posteriorly. It is part of the
larynx
The larynx (), commonly called the voice box, is an organ (anatomy), organ in the top of the neck involved in breathing, producing sound and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The opening of larynx into pharynx known as the laryngeal ...
.
Anatomy
The rima glottidis is the narrowest part of larynx. It is longer (~23 mm) in males than in females (17–18 mm).
The rima glottidis is an aperture between the two true
vocal cords anteriorly, and the bases and
vocal process of the two
arytenoid cartilages posteriorly. It is therefore described as subdivided into two parts: the larger anterior part between the
vocal folds
In humans, the vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are folds of throat tissues that are key in creating sounds through Speech, vocalization. The length of the vocal cords affects the pitch of voice, similar to a violin string. Open when brea ...
(intermembranous part, or glottis vocalis), and the smaller posterior part between arytenoid cartilages (intercartilaginous part, glottis respiratoria, intercartilaginous glottis, respiratory glottis, or interarytenoid space). It is limited posteriorly by an interarytenoid fold of mucous membrane.
Function
The rima glottidis is closed by the
lateral cricoarytenoid muscles and the
arytenoid muscle, and opened by the
posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. All of these muscles receive innervation from the
recurrent laryngeal nerve which is a branch of the
vagus nerve
The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve (CN X), plays a crucial role in the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating involuntary functions within the human body. This nerve carries both sensory and motor fibe ...
(CN X).
The shape of rima glottidis is changed by movements of vocal cords and arytenoid cartilages during respiration and phonation.
Clinical significance
Any damage to the rima glottidis may result in a hoarse voice,
aphonia or difficulty breathing.
References
External links
*
Human head and neck
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