larynx A tube-shaped organ in the neck that contains the vocal cords. The larynx is about 5 cm (2 in.) long. It is part of the respiratory system and is located between the pharynx and the trachea. Humans use the larynx to breathe, talk, and swallow. Its outer wall of cartilage forms the area of…
laryngoscopy Examination of the larynx (voice box), either with a mirror (indirect laryngoscopy) or with a laryngoscope (direct laryngoscopy).
laryngoscope A flexible, lighted tube that is used to examine the inside of the larynx (voice box).
laryngomalacia An abnormally soft, floppy larynx (voice box).
laryngitis, reflux Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Reflux laryngitis is associated with chronic hoarseness and symptoms of esophageal irritation such as heartburn, chest pain, asthma, or the feeling of a foreign body in the throat (the globus phenomenon). This can lead to chronic throat clearing,…
laryngitis An inflammation of the larynx. Inflammation of the larynx is most often caused by viral infections. In these cases, other symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing, and fever, generally occur. The voice changes may persist after the fever and other symptoms of acute infection have resolved. Laryngitis can also occur as a…
laryngectomy, total A laryngectomy in which the whole larynx (voice box) is removed, and the opening in the front of the neck (stoma) is permanent. The patient breathes through the stoma and must learn to talk in a new way.
laryngectomy, partial A laryngectomy that preserves the voice. The surgeon removes only part of the larynx (voice box)—just one vocal cord, just part of a vocal cord, or just the epiglottis—and the opening in the front of the neck (stoma) is temporary. After a brief recovery period, the tracheostomy tube is removed, and the stoma…
laryngectomy Surgery to remove part or all of the larynx. The surgeon performs a tracheostomy, creating an opening in the front of the neck (stoma). Air enters and leaves the trachea and lungs through the stoma. A tracheostomy tube keeps the new airway open.
laryngectomee A person who has had his or her larynx (voice box) removed. See also laryngectomy.
laryngeal papillomatosis The presence of numerous warty growths on the vocal cords caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is contracted at birth via the vaginal canal of a mother with genital warts. Laryngeal papillomatosis is most common in young children under age 3 but may occur at any age. Recurrences of laryngeal papillomatosis are, unfortunately,…
laryngeal papilloma A warty growth in the larynx, usually on the vocal cords. Persistent hoarseness is a common symptom.