Laryngeal adductor reflex anatomy

The laryngeal adductor reflex causes the vocal cords to be adducted (brought together) to seal off the airway when an object or liquid passes into the upper larynx. The reflex occurs in the medulla oblongata in the brainstem. The vagus nerve and its branches carry the sensory and motor neurones. This reflex is particularly important for a safe swallow, to stop aspiration into the lungs and subsequent infection.

Larynx anatomy:    • Larynx anatomy  


Domer, A.S., Kuhn, M.A. & Belafsky, P.C. Neurophysiology and Clinical Implications of the Laryngeal Adductor Reflex. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 1, 178–182 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-013-00...
https://rdcu.be/dzmBO

Clarence T. Sasaki, M.D. Anatomy and development and physiology of the larynx. GI Motility online (2006). doi:10.1038/gimo7
https://www.nature.com/gimo/contents/...


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