2.7 The Larynx Flashcards
What is the Larynx also known as?
The Voice Box and the (Protective) Inlet of the Respiratory System
With which structure is the continuous with Superiorly?
The Pharynx
With which structure is the continuous with Inferiorly?
The Trachea
What are the 2 main Cartilages which can be viewed from an Anteroposterior view?
- Thyroid Cartilage
2. Cricoid Cartilage
What Bone lies above the Thyroid Cartilage?
The Hyoid Bone
What are the main Cartilages (Superior to Inferior) which can be viewed from an Posteroanterior view?
- Epiglottal Cartilage
- Thyroid Cartilage
- Corniculate Cartilage
- Arytenoid Cartilage
- Cricoid Cartilage
Which Cartilage is a complete ring, completely surrounds the Larynx?
The Cricoid Cartilage
The Prominence of which Cartilage makes the “Adam’s Apple” in males?
The Thyroid Cartilage
Which of the Cartilages are paired?
The Cornicular Cartilage
They Arytenoid Cartilage
What is the space between the Laryngeal Cartilages occupied by?
Dense Connective Tissue Membranes
What is the name of the Dense Connective Tissue Membrane between the Thyroid Cartilage and the Hyoid Bone?
The Thyrohyoid Membrane
What is the name of the Dense Connective Tissue Membrane between the Cricoid Cartilage and the Thyroid Cartilage?
The Median Cricothyroid Membrane
Which Dense Connective Tissue Membrane lies inferior to the Vocal Cords?
The Median Cricothyroid Membrane
What 4 structures outline the Laryngeal Inlet?
- Anteriorly - The Free Curved Edge of the Epiglottis
- Posteriorly - The Corniculate Cartilage
- Posteriorly - The Arytenoid Cartilage
- Laterally - The Aryepiglottic Folds
What 3 parts is the Lumen of the Larynx divided into?
- The Upper Part (Vestibule) is the area between the Laryngeal Inlet and the Vestibular Folds (False Vocal Cords)
- The Middle Part lies between the Vestibular Folds and the True Vocal Cords
- The Lower Part extends from the Vocal Cords to the Lower Border of the Cricoid Cartilage
What controls the movement of the Vocal Folds and the diameter of the Laryngeal Inlet?
Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx
What actions can the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx perform?
- Tightening of the Vocal Cords
- Relaxing of the Vocal Cords
- Abduction of the Vocal Cords
- Adduction of the Vocal Cords
Which nerve supplies the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx?
The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
What is the only Muscle, of the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx, which is not supplied by the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve?
And what nerve supplies this?
The Cricothyroid Muscle is supplied by the Superior Laryngeal Nerve, a branch of the Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)
What would happen if the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve was Transected?
There would be a complete loss of:
- Motor innervation to the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx (Except for the Cricothyroid Muscle
- Sensory innervation to the area below the Vocal Cord
What is the Sensory Nerve Supply to the Mucous Membrane of the Larynx?
A branch of the “Superior Laryngeal Nerve,” the “Internal Laryngeal Branch”.
The Superior Laryngeal Nerve itself is a branch off of the Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)
What position would the Vocal Cords be in during Normal Respiration?
Abducted
What position would the Vocal Cords be in during Rapid Breathing (e.g. on heavy exercise)?
Fully Abducted
What position would the Vocal Cords be in during Speaking?
Adducted
