Definition

Noun: 1. The opening between the false vocal folds: In human anatomy, this is the narrow, slit-like aperture located between the two vestibular folds (also known as the false vocal cords) within the larynx. It is part of the upper respiratory tract.

Usage Notes

• The term "rima respiratoria" is a specialized anatomical term. It is primarily used in medical, biological, and speech science contexts.
• It is a Latin-derived term, where "rima" means "slit" or "cleft" and "respiratoria" means "respiratory."
• It is distinct from the "rima glottidis," which is the opening between the true vocal folds. The rima respiratoria is superior to (above) the rima glottidis.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • During quiet breathing, air passes primarily through the rima respiratoria.
  • The study examined the role of the vestibular folds and the rima respiratoria in modulating airflow.
  • Swelling in the larynx can significantly narrow the rima respiratoria, leading to respiratory stridor.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: The term is used when describing laryngeal anatomy, pathologies (like edema or tumors), or surgical procedures.
  • The endoscope provided a clear view of the patent rima respiratoria.

Variants and Related Words

• Vestibular fold (n): Another name for the false vocal fold, which forms the lateral boundaries of the rima respiratoria.
• Rima glottidis (n): The opening between the true vocal folds, located inferior to the rima respiratoria.
• Laryngeal inlet (n): The superior opening into the larynx from the pharynx, a larger anatomical space that includes the region of the rima respiratoria.

Synonyms

• Intervestibular space: A less common but descriptive synonym emphasizing the location between the vestibular folds.
• False glottis: An informal and potentially misleading term, as it is not the true glottis (which refers to the rima glottidis and true vocal folds).

Related Phrases

• To obstruct the rima respiratoria: A phrase used to describe a pathological condition where the opening is blocked.
  • The tumor threatened to obstruct the rima respiratoria.

Noun

1. the opening between the false vocal folds