Which structure is the narrowest part of the larynx in infants?

Which structure is the narrowest part of the larynx in infants?

• A. Cricoid cartilage
• B. Vocal cords
• C. Epiglottis
• D. Laryngeal inlet

Answer: (B)

Within the larynx, the opening most restricted by structure is the glottic space, which is the gap between the vocal cords. The vocal cords form a slender slit that can be closed very tightly, making the glottis the bottleneck of the laryngeal airway. The epiglottis and laryngeal inlet are comparatively larger openings, and the cricoid cartilage lies just below the larynx, forming part of the lower airway rather than the narrowest portion of the laryngeal lumen itself. So, the vocal cords define the narrowest part of the larynx in infants.

Within the larynx, the opening most restricted by structure is the glottic space, which is the gap between the vocal cords. The vocal cords form a slender slit that can be closed very tightly, making the glottis the bottleneck of the laryngeal airway. The epiglottis and laryngeal inlet are comparatively larger openings, and the cricoid cartilage lies just below the larynx, forming part of the lower airway rather than the narrowest portion of the laryngeal lumen itself. So, the vocal cords define the narrowest part of the larynx in infants.