11.1 The larynx Flashcards
What are the functions of the larynx?
Maintain respiration
Produce phonation
Protect trachea
Produce cough reflex
Where is the supraglottis?
Inferior surface of epiglottis to the false vocal cords
Where is the glottis?
Vocal cords and 1cm inferiorly
Where is the subglottis?
1cm inferior of vocal cords to lower border of cricoid cartilage
What is the piriform fossa?
Natural funnel formed by the epiglottis
What is the epiglottis?
Leaf-shaped plate of elastic fibrocartilage which is attached to the posterior thyroid cartilage
What is the vallecula?
Depression between tongue base and epiglottis
Describe the thyroid cartilage
Anterior laryngeal prominence (Adam’s Apple)
Comprised of the superior and inferior thyroid horns
What shape is the cricoid cartilage?
Signet ring
What is the cricoid cartilage?
Most inferior cartilage in larynx
Completely encircles airway with 2 articulating facets on each side for the thyroid and arytenoid cartilage
What shape is the arytenoid cartilage?
Pyramid shape
What is the arytenoid cartilage involved in?
Vocal cord movement
At what vertebral level is the superior border of the thyroid cartilage?
C4
At what vertebral level is the cricoid cartilage found?
C6
What are the vocal cords?
Muscles and ligaments which vibrate to resonate and make sound
What eithelium covers the vocal cords?
Stratified squamous epithelia
How are the vocal cords placed when breathing?
Open
How are the vocal cords placed when eating?
Closed
How are the vocal cords placed when speaking?
Partially open
What is the function of the cricothyroid muscle?
Stretches and tenses vocal cords
What is the function of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle?
Abducts vocal fold
What is the function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle?
Adducts vocal fold
What is the function of the thyroarytenoid muscle?
Relaxes vocal fold
What is the function of the transverse and oblique arytenoid muscles?
Close intercartilaginous portion of rima glottidis
What is the function of the vocalis muscle?
Relaxes posterior vocal ligament
What nerve supplies the cricothyroid muscle?
External laryngeal nerve
What 2 arteries supply the larynx?
Superior laryngeal artery
Inferior laryngeal artery
What 2 veins drain the larynx?
Superior laryngeal vein
Inferior laryngeal vein
What symptoms will be experienced with unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy?
Hoarse voice
Short of breath
What symptoms will be experienced with bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy?
Aphonia
Very short of breath
CVS problems
Respiratory systems
What is the most common type of cancer found in the larynx?
Squamous cell carcinoma
What is epiglottitis?
Inflammation of the epiglottis
What is trachea-bronchitis?
Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi
What is laryngomalacia?
Soft immature upper larynx cartilage in infants collapses inward and causes airway obstruction
