LXII Scientific Papers of the American Laryngological Association

Abstract

Receptor nerve endings are present in the capsules of the crico-thyroid, crico-arytenoid, thyrohyoid and thyro-epiglottic joints of the cat''s larynx. Mechanical stimulation of these receptors, or electro-stimulation of their afferent nerve fibers, produce reflexly coordinated contraction and relaxation of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Passive stretch of the joint capsule by movement in specific directions results in afferent discharges from low-threshold mechanoreceptors which produce transient alterations in motor unit activity in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles.