ABSTRACT
The larynx is vulnerable to injury of two kinds-open and closed. Open injuries result from knife cuts to the neck and from motor vehicle and similar accidents involving broken glass. Closed injuries result from blows to the neck inflicted during affrays, and from trauma during motor vehicle and similar accidents. Because of the larynx’s function of guarding and maintaining the airway, injuries to it carry a high risk of upper-respiratory obstruction and death.
