Space
Rima glottidis
The changing opening between the true vocal folds
High-yield
Glottic dimensions change during breathing and with muscle tone. The traditional rule that every young child's narrowest laryngeal point is the cricoid is too absolute; living-airway studies often find smaller glottic dimensions.
Overview
The glottic aperture has an anterior portion between the membranous vocal folds and a posterior portion between the arytenoid regions. Muscle activity changes its size for breathing, voice and protective closure. It is part of the glottis, which also includes the vocal folds.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- Anterior intermembranous part: between true vocal folds. Posterior intercartilaginous part: between the arytenoid vocal-process regions.
- Contents
- An airway opening whose caliber changes with laryngeal movement.
- Communications
- Connects the middle laryngeal cavity above with the infraglottic cavity below; the latter continues into the trachea.
Clinical correlation
Laryngospasm can partly or completely obstruct this opening. Bilateral vocal-fold paralysis can also narrow it markedly, depending on the resting position of the folds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the rima glottidis?
Anterior intermembranous part: between true vocal folds. Posterior intercartilaginous part: between the arytenoid vocal-process regions.
What does the rima glottidis contain?
An airway opening whose caliber changes with laryngeal movement.
What does the rima glottidis communicate with?
Connects the middle laryngeal cavity above with the infraglottic cavity below; the latter continues into the trachea.