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**Article Six**
Concerning the larynx: its place, the cartilages, muscles, and their movements.
Know, O esteemed one! The scholars of anatomy have stated: The larynx is a cartilage created for producing sound. It possesses three cartilages. One is on the front of the throat and beneath the chin; it is known through touch. Its inner side is concave, and its outer side is convex, so they name it “derekî” and "tursi," meaning shield. The second cartilage lies below the thyroid cartilage and is attached to the neck. The third cartilage covers the second like a plate, joining it—without merging with it—extending to the derekî cartilage. Between the third cartilage and the second cartilage with which it joins there exists a hinged joint; from which two protrusions of the second cartilage enter the cavities. These protrusions move apart or toward each other according to the widening and narrowing of the larynx. The covering, attachment, and separation of the derekî cartilage by the second cartilage effect the closing and opening of the larynx. There is a triangular bone on the front of the larynx, which they call *azm-i lâmî* because it resembles the letter “lam” in the Greek alphabet—as was mentioned regarding bones. Its benefit is that it supports and anchors the larynx, and the fibers of its muscles originate from it. Numerous muscles were required to attach the derekî cartilage to the second cartilage, to spread the third cartilage between them, and to separate the third cartilage from the other two, thereby opening the larynx.
Regarding the muscles that open the larynx: they are a pair originating from *azm-i lâmî*, extending to the front of the derekî cartilage, spreading over it, and covering it. When they contract and draw together, bringing the third cartilage upward, the larynx opens and widens. A second pair shares origin with muscles that pull down the neck. Their origins are in the inner regions of the breastbone, toward the derekî cartilage. There exist two more pairs of muscles; one pair consisting of two muscles each. They reach the third cartilage and adhere to its back. When these muscles contract and draw together, pulling the third cartilage upward and backward, they separate from the attachment of the derekî cartilage, thus widening the larynx. The two muscles of the second pair extend to the two sides of the third cartilage, spreading out upon them. When they contract, they lengthen the third cartilage away from the derekî cartilage, assisting in the widening of the larynx.
Concerning the muscles that constrict (draw) the larynx: a pair originates from *azm-i lâmî* and adheres to the derekî cartilage. Thereafter, they expand and wrap around the second cartilage, where two solitary muscles join on either side behind it. When these muscles unite and contract, the larynx narrows. Four muscles also connect the space between the derekî cartilage and the two sides of the second cartilage. As they contract, the lower part of the larynx narrows. A pair of muscles is given to the larynx that originate from the substance of the derekî cartilage, passing through it and spreading into the substance of the second cartilage, adhering on its right and left around the third cartilage. When these muscles rise, they bind the joint and close the larynx so as to resist breathing with the chest and diaphragm. These two muscles are small and strong, that they may effortlessly and powerfully close the larynx and restrain breath. Their bending and turning is slight; they rise straight upward. They connect the spaces between the derekî cartilage and the second cartilage. These two muscles also serve to assist the smaller muscles mentioned beneath the third cartilage. And within them lies much Divine artistry.
“We glorify Allah, whose majesty is exalted.”