Laryngospasm is defined as:

• A. Inflammation of the larynx
• B. Narrowing of the trachea
• C. Swelling of the epiglottis
• D. Spasmodic closure of the vocal cords

Answer: (D)

Laryngospasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the vocal cords that tightly closes the glottic opening, blocking airflow. This is best described as a spasmodic closure of the vocal cords, because it captures the rapid, reflex-like tightening that narrows or shuts the airway. Inflammation of the larynx is laryngitis, which is irritation or swelling rather than an acute cord spasm. Narrowing of the trachea refers to tracheal stenosis, a structural narrowing below the larynx. Swelling of the epiglottis is epiglottitis, an inflammatory swelling that can obstruct the airway but does not involve the sudden vocal cord spasm that characterizes laryngospasm.