The term "glandula laryngea" refers to the laryngeal gland, a gland located in the throat responsible for producing mucus to lubricate the vocal cords. It is pronounced as /ˈɡlændjʊlə ləˈrɪndʒiə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word follows the Latin origin, where "glandula" means gland, and "laryngea" refers to the larynx. The use of IPA phonetic transcription allows for a standardized way of representing the sounds of the word, aiding in correct pronunciation and understanding.
Glandula laryngea, also known as the laryngeal gland, refers to a small gland located within the larynx or voice box. The larynx is a cartilaginous structure situated in the throat, connecting the upper respiratory and digestive tracts. The glandula laryngea plays a significant role in the production of mucus, which helps lubricate and protect the delicate tissues lining the larynx.
This gland consists of numerous secretory cells that produce and release mucus into the lumen of the larynx. The mucus produced by the glandula laryngea helps moisten the vocal folds or cords, preventing them from drying out during vocalization. It also aids in the elimination of any foreign particles, dust, or pathogens that may have entered the respiratory system, thus contributing to the overall health and function of the larynx.
The glandula laryngea is innervated by branches of the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve responsible for supplying motor and sensory fibers to various organs in the thorax and abdomen. This nerve connection allows for the control and coordination of mucus production in response to various stimuli, such as irritation or inflammation of the larynx.
In summary, the glandula laryngea is a small gland found in the larynx that produces and releases mucus, playing a crucial role in the lubrication, protection, and maintenance of the laryngeal tissues and vocal cords.
One of the large number of muciparous glands in the mucous membrane of the larynx; they are called, according to their situation, glandulae laryngeae anteriores, gl. l. mediae, and gl. l. posteriores.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term glandula laryngea has Latin roots. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Glandula: Derived from the Latin word glandula meaning a small gland. It is a diminutive form of glans, meaning acorn or gland. The term glandula refers to a secretory organ that produces substances such as hormones or other fluids.
2. Laryngea: Derived from the Latin word larynx, which refers to the voice box or the structure in the throat involved in sound production and respiration. The suffix -ea has an adjectival function, denoting association or relating to the larynx.
Therefore, glandula laryngea literally translates to the gland associated with the larynx.