ABSTRACT
The infant’s larynx is naturally somewhat different in shape to that of the adult, with some backward folding and overhanging of the epiglottis being usual. In a small proportion of children this is accompanied by some elongation of the epiglottis, and the structures above the true vocal cords are soft and somewhat floppy. This leads to a tendency for the upper part of the larynx to be drawn inward by the flow of inspired air when the infant breaths in. This produces a characteristic crowing, inspiratory stridor.
