The laryngeal vestibule is the upper compartment of the laryngeal cavity, extending from the laryngeal inlet down to the vestibular folds. Its front wall is the back of the epiglottis, which is taller than the low back wall between the arytenoids. It is lined with respiratory-type mucosa and is very sensitive to touch.
| Location | Upper part of the larynx, between the laryngeal inlet above and the vestibular folds below. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Internal laryngeal nerve (sensory, branch of the superior laryngeal nerve from the vagus) |
| Blood Supply | Superior laryngeal artery |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Forms the first section of the laryngeal airway and, through its rich sensory supply, triggers coughing and closure of the larynx when anything other than air enters.
Contact of food or fluid with the vestibular mucosa normally causes a strong protective cough; loss of this sensation (silent aspiration) is a hidden risk in stroke and elderly patients. Penetration of contrast into the vestibule without passing the vocal folds is a graded finding in swallow studies.
Entry of swallowed material into the vestibule, above the vocal folds. If not cleared, it may progress to aspiration.
Swelling of the vestibular lining from allergy, infection, burns or radiotherapy. It can narrow the airway quickly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
