12 - Larynx Flashcards
The larynx is a hollow
musculoligamentous structure with a cartilaginous framework, capping the lower respiratory tract.
The larynx is both a valve (or sphincter)
to close the lower respiratory tract, and an instrument to produce sound.
We will see that the larynx is suspended from the
hyoid bone superiorly and attached to the trachea inferiorly by membranes and ligaments.
The pharynx is a
musculofascial half-cylinder that links the oral and nasal cavities in the head to the larynx and esophagus in the neck. The pharyngeal cavity is common for the respiratory tract and digestive tract.
The pharynx is the
common entry to the digestive and respiratory tracts, two systems that connect directly with the external environment and allow direct access the our internal environment.
Thyroid Cartilage: 2 lamina unite
anteriorly, forming a Single cartilage
Thyroid Cartilage: Superior thyroid notch sits
superior to the laryngeal prominence. This is a palpable landmark, as is the inferior thyroid notch.
Thyroid Cartilage: Stem of
epiglottic cartilage attaches posteriorly via the Thyro-epilgottic ligament
Thyroid Cartilage: Anterior ends of vocal ligaments converge
converge below epiglottis
Thyroid Cartilage: The oblique line, found on the lamina, is the attachment site for
extrinsic muscles of the larynx (sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, & inferior constrictor mm.)
Thyroid cartilage: Superior horn attaches
via the lateral thyrohyoid ligaments to the hyoid bone.
Thyroid cartilage: Inferior thyroid cartilage horns articulate with
cricoid cartilage (medial surface)
Thyroid cartilage lies
Lies between C4 & C6
Hyaline cartilage
Corniculate Cartilage
Paired, minor cartilage
Small horn-shaped cartilages
Corniculate cartilage: Rest on apices of
of arytenoid cartilages
Corniculate cartilage: Lie in
aryepiglottic fold
Corniculate cartilage: consists of
Elastic cartilage
Triticeal Cartilage: is a
Paired, minor cartilage
Triticeal Cartilage: consists of
Small rounded cartilages
Triticeal Cartilage: Lie in
posterior fold of thyrohyoid membrane = lateral thyrohyoid ligament
Triticeal Cartilage: these are
not always present
Cricothyroid Joints - Synovial joints between
cricoid & thyroid cartilages
Cricothyroid Joints - Held together by
cricothyroid ligaments
Cricothyroid Joints - Anterior movement & tilting of
thyroid cartilage
Cricothyroid Joints - Inferior laryngeal nn. run just
posterior to joints
Larynx: Internal Spaces: Aditus –
superior opening (inlet)
Larynx: Internal Spaces: Vestibule –
area superior to vestibular folds (false vocal cords)
Larynx: Internal Spaces: Ventricle –
area between vestibular folds & vocal folds