The rima glottidis is the opening between the vocal folds and, at the back, between the arytenoid cartilages. It is the narrowest part of the adult larynx and changes shape constantly during breathing and speech.
| Location | Within the larynx at the level of the vocal folds, around C5-C6 in adults |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Recurrent laryngeal nerve (muscles that open and close it); Internal laryngeal nerve (sensation above) |
| Blood Supply | Superior and inferior laryngeal arteries |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Widens for breathing, narrows for speech and closes tightly for coughing, swallowing and straining.
Only the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles open it, so damage to both recurrent laryngeal nerves can leave a dangerously narrow airway. Inhaled foreign bodies often lodge here in adults. In infants the narrowest point is the cricoid ring below.
Loss of both recurrent laryngeal nerves leaving the opening narrow, causing noisy breathing and airway obstruction.
Reflex closure of the rima glottidis, which can briefly block breathing.
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