How many separate layers of cartilage protect and frame the larynx?

There are nine separate layers of cartilages that protect and frame larynx. The nine layers of cartilages include laryngeal cartilage, cricoid cartilage, two arytenoid cartilages, two cuneiform cartilages, two corniculate cartilages and epiglottis. It is more pronounced in male than in female. all these structures function together to facilitate various process such as respiration vocalization, air protection and swallowing of substances from the mouth into esophagus.

The larynx is protected by three types of large unpaired cartilages, three small unpaired cartilages and many muscles. The large unpaired cartilages are thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage and epiglottis. The three smaller unpaired cartilages are arytenoid cartilage, corniculate cartilage and cuneiform cartilage.