324 



THE LARYNX. 



mere ridges projecting from the sides of the larynx. Under 

 the covering of mucous membrane are ligaments and muscles 

 that may be stretched to various degrees and placed in differ- 

 ent positions, according to the sound that is to be produced. 



While we are quietly breathing, the vocal cords, or bands, 

 lie back, like low ridges, against the side of the larynx, and 

 offer nearly the whole channel of the larynx for the free pas- 

 sage of air for breathing purposes. But when we wish to 



Epiglottis 

 Base of Tongue 



Hyoid Bone 



False Vocal Cord 



Ventricle 

 Vocal Cord 



Cartilage 



~ Trachea 



FROM RIGHT TO LEFT MEDIAN 



Fig. 94. Longitudinal Sections of the Larynx. 



produce vocal sound, the vocal cords are made to stand out 

 farther from the side walls, and interfere with the free pas- 

 sage of the air. In examining the larynx it is seen that the 

 vocal cords are attached close to each other in front, but that 

 at the back of the larynx they diverge widely (in the position 

 of rest), forming a letter V, with the angle of the V in front, 

 just back of Adam's apple. t( When changes in the voice or 

 in breathing are being made, the white glistening vocal cords 

 may be seen to come together or to go apart like the blades of 



