The laryngeal inlet is the opening from the laryngopharynx into the larynx. It faces backwards and upwards and is bounded in front by the free upper edge of the epiglottis, at the sides by the aryepiglottic folds, and behind by the mucosa between the arytenoid cartilages. It is the first gateway that must close during swallowing.
| Location | Top of the larynx, opening into the laryngopharynx, behind the root of the tongue and epiglottis. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Internal laryngeal nerve (sensory, branch of the superior laryngeal nerve from the vagus) |
| Blood Supply | Superior laryngeal artery |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Narrows and closes during swallowing as the larynx rises, the arytenoids tilt forward and the epiglottis folds back, keeping food and drink out of the airway.
Weak or poorly coordinated closure of the inlet, as after stroke or in neuromuscular disease, leads to aspiration of food and fluid into the lungs. The inlet is the view targeted when passing a tracheal tube or supraglottic airway. Swelling here from allergy or infection can rapidly obstruct breathing.
Entry of food, liquid or secretions through the inlet into the airway. Repeated aspiration causes chest infections and aspiration pneumonia.
Infection and swelling of the epiglottis and inlet structures. It causes severe sore throat, drooling and muffled voice and can obstruct the airway.
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