What is the superior opening of the larynx called?

The superior opening of the larynx is referred to as the laryngeal inlet. This structure serves as the gateway for air to enter the larynx from the pharynx during breathing and is important for speech and protection of the airway during swallowing.

In more detail, the laryngeal inlet is surrounded by various anatomical structures, including the epiglottis, which does play a crucial role in covering the larynx during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. It is important to distinguish between these terms, as the glottis refers to the opening between the vocal cords themselves and plays a functional role in phonation but is not the term for the inlet. Similarly, the vallecula is a space located between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis that is relevant in swallowing but does not describe the superior opening of the larynx.

Recognizing these definitions and their anatomical significance is vital for understanding the structures involved in respiration and phonation.