634 THE HUMAN BODY. 



supplemented in various ways, and converted into articulate 

 language or speech. 



The Larynx lies in front of the neck, beneath the hyoid 

 bone and above the windpipe; in many persons it is promi- 

 nent, causing the projection known as "Adam's apple." It 

 consists of a framework of cartilages, partly joined by true 

 synovial joints and partly bound together by membranes; 



Ci 



It^-^BP^** 



FIG. 181. The more important cartilages of the larynx from behind, t, thy- 

 roid; Cs, its superior, and Ci. its inferior, horn of the right side; #*, cricoid carti- 

 lage; t, arytenoid cartilage; Pv, the corner to which the posterior end of a vocal 

 cord is attached; Pm, corner on which the muscles which approximate or sepa- 

 rate the vocal cords are inserted; co, cartilage of Santorini. 



muscles are added which move the cartilages with reference 

 to one another; and the whole is lined by a mucous mem- 

 brane. 



The cartilages of the larynx (Fig. 181) are nine in. num- 

 ber; three single and median, and three pairs. The largest 

 (t) is called the thyroid, and consists of two halves which 

 meet at an angle in front, but separate behind so as to inclose 

 a V-shaped space, in which most of the remaining cartilages 

 lie. The epiglottis (not represented in the figure) is fixed 

 to the top of the thyroid cartilage and overhangs the entry 

 from the pharynx to the larynx; it may be seen, covered 

 by mucous membrane, projecting at the base of the tongue, 

 if the latter be pushed down while the mouth is held open in 

 front of a mirror; and is, similarly covered, represented, as 

 seen from behind, at a in Fig. 182. The cricoid, the last 



