During quiet respiration, the rima glottidis appears diamond shaped because the intermembranous part is triangular. What is its configuration during phonation?
- A A narrow slit between the arytenoid cartilages only
- B A kite shaped opening with both parts narrowed ✓
- C Widely patent with the arytenoids abducted
- D Obliterated only in its intercartilaginous part
Correct answer: B. A kite shaped opening with both parts narrowed
Explanation
During phonation the arytenoids are adducted by the lateral cricoarytenoid and interarytenoid muscles, so both the intermembranous and intercartilaginous parts narrow, giving a slit like kite shaped aperture with the vocal folds nearly touching. During quiet inspiration the folds abduct and the rima becomes diamond shaped. A narrow gap confined to the intercartilaginous part corresponds to whispering, when only the membranous folds are approximated.
Reference: BD Chaurasia Human Anatomy, Head and Neck, 8th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.