10/11/2025
The larynx (voicebox) has 3 distinct parts: above the vocal cords (supraglottis), the vocal cords (glottis) and below the vocal cords (subglottis). The subglottis leads into the trachea (windpipe). The subglottis is surrounded by a complete ring of cartilage and has a thin lining. It is the narrowest part of our airway. The diameter in an adult is between 12 - 20 mm. A reduction in this diameter is called a subglottic stenosis which causes airway obstruction.