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Locating the Main Structures of the Larynx
The Hyoid Bone:
Place each index finger at the point where the jaw bone approximately meets your ear-lobes. Run your fingers down under your jaw bone and then at the base of your tongue you will feel two smooth lumps. If you gently push one of these lumps the other will move in the same direct. This is the hyoid bone. If you locate both of these point with one hand you will feel how this bone is suspended freely in the neck.
The Thyroid Cartilage:
Raise your chin up and back and place one finger on your chin. Gently trace your finger down and under the centre of your chin and down on top your neck. The first lump you get to is the thyroid notch or prominence. On a male this lump is simply the ‘Adam’s Apple’, it can be harder to locate this on some female. Becareful not to confuse the front of hyoid bone with thyroid cartilage, which can sometimes be more prominent. At the top of the thyroid notch you will be able to feel the ‘v’ formation of the sides (lamina) of the thyroid. If you place your index finger on the notch with your thumb and second finger on either side you will be able to feel the flat surfaces of each lamina. It is also possible to locate the upper (superior) horns of the thyroid cartilage by moving down from the sides of the hyoid bone.
The Cricoid Cartilage:
From the top centre of the thyroid cartilage continue down and a few centimetres and you will find a groove. This sometimes known as the crico-thyroid visor or notch. Below your finger now is the cricoid cartilage and above is the thyroid cartilage. If you hum up and down your range you may feel this notch close as you ascend your range.
The Trachea:
The cricoid cartilage sits at the top of the trachea. Below the cricoid it is easy to feel the rings of cartilage that give structure to the trachea.
General Advice
If you struggle to locate the cartilages, to get a general feel for the larynx, try humming up and down your range. As you go up the larynx may generally move up and as you go down the larynx will descend.
Locating these structures can feel a little strange if you are not used to feeling your neck in this way. If you feel any discomfort whilst doing this stop. I would recommend working with your teacher or someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about these structures if you are unsure.
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