Topics

Topic

design image
Laryngeal inlet

The laryngeal inlet, also called the aditus laryngis, is the opening that connects the pharynx to the larynx. It is bounded anteriorly by the epiglottis, laterally by the aryepiglottic folds, and posteriorly by the interarytenoid notch. The laryngeal inlet plays a critical role in airway protection during swallowing and directing airflow into the trachea. Knowledge of its anatomy and imaging characteristics is essential for radiologists, ENT specialists, and anesthesiologists for evaluation of airway pathology, tumors, or traumatic injuries.

Synonyms

  • Aditus laryngis

  • Laryngeal entrance

  • Supraglottic laryngeal opening

Function

  • Acts as the gateway for air between the pharynx and trachea

  • Protects the airway during swallowing via epiglottic closure

  • Directs food and liquids toward the esophagus, preventing aspiration

  • Provides a landmark for surgical and endoscopic procedures

MRI Appearance

 

T1-weighted images:

  • Soft tissue structures (epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds) appear intermediate signal intensity, similar to surrounding muscle.

  • Fat around the airway lumen appears hyperintense, which delineates the boundaries of the laryngeal inlet.

  • Air within the lumen is very low signal (black).

T2-weighted images (CORRECTED):

  • Air remains hypointense (black).

  • Soft tissues such as epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, and supraglottic structures appear intermediate to slightly hyperintense relative to muscle, depending on water content.

  • Any edema, inflammation, or tumor appears bright (hyperintense) relative to normal muscle and cartilage.

  • Fat is bright, providing contrast, but careful fat-saturated sequences can improve soft tissue detail.

STIR / Fat-Suppressed Imaging:

  • Suppresses fat signal, highlighting pathological hyperintensity in cases of inflammation, infection, or tumor.

  • Normal soft tissues of the laryngeal inlet remain intermediate to low signal, while pathology stands out bright.

CT Appearance

  • Soft tissue density structures of the laryngeal inlet are visible

  • Airway lumen appears hypodense (dark)

  • Bony and cartilaginous landmarks such as the thyroid and arytenoid cartilages are well-demonstrated

  • Useful for detecting trauma, calcifications, masses, or airway narrowing

MRI images

Laryngeal inlet-img-00000-00000