The larynx for neurologists.

BACKGROUND

The larynx is an amazingly versatile musculocartilaginous organ with complex sensory and motor responsibilities which allow functional coordination of the upper aerodigestive tract.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Phylogeny, anatomy, and function of the larynx are reviewed. The major laryngeal responsibilities are phonation, deglutition, control of respiration, and airway protection. Although phonation is the least important laryngeal function for survival, it is possibly the most "human" function, and special attention is paid to the mechanism of the human voice. Parkinson's hypophonia, vocal fold paralysis, and spasmodic dysphonia cases are presented to illustrate specific examples of neurologic dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Understanding laryngeal function will promote earlier diagnosis of neurologic deficits and facilitate accurate evaluation and treatment of laryngeal dysfunction.