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