Anatomy Flashcards
What are the three parts of the Pharynx?
Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Hypopharynx
Nasopharynx
Posterior aspect of nasal cavity
Oropharynx
posterior aspect of oral cavity that extends to the tip of the epiglottis;
includes the uvula, the soft and hard palates,, the palantine tonsils, and the tongue
Hypopharynx
tip of epiglottis to cricoid cartilage
Pharynx
posterior aspect of nasal cavity to cricoid cartilage
4 Facts about the Nasal Cavity
1/3 bone, 2/3 cartilage;
primary pathway of air exchange;
resistance is 2-3 times greater through nose than mouth;
Lined with vascular mucous membranes, cilia, hair
Functions of nasal cavity
warmth, humidification, filtration
4 types of Tonsils
Pharyngeal (Adenoids), Palantine (Tonsils), Lingual, Tubal
Waldeyer’s Ring
Continuous ring of lymphoid tissue surrounding the entrance to the pharynx.
It can swell closed.
Consists of Adenoids, Tubal, Palantine & Lingual tonsils
Which tonsils are at risk for damage from nasal intubation?
Pharyngeal (adenoids) & Palantine (tonsils)
What is the tongue?
Largest structure of the oropharynx;
Main source of obstruction and resistance
Anatomy of the tongue
Root connected to the hyoid bone and the genioglossi muscles
What is the significance of the genioglossi muscles?
When sedation is administered, these muscles relax and obstruct the airway.
What is the classic sign of obstruction.
Belly up, chest down
Structures of Larynx
Tongue, Epiglottis, Vestibular Folds, True vocal cords, pyriform fossa
Purposes of Larynx
Main job: Prevent Aspiration;
Secondary: Breathing
Lastly, phonation
Valeculla
Groove located between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis
Laryngeal Cartilages
Epiglottis, Thyroid cartilage, Cricoid cartilage, paired arytenoids, paired corniculate, paired cuneiform
Epiglottis
Covering for the laryngeal opening
Thyroid cartilage
Adam’s Apple - anterior wall of pharynx;
Largest cartilage of larynx
Superior border secures thyrohyoid membrane;
Caudal border holds the cricoid cartilage
Cricoid cartilage
only continuous cartilage of the larynx;
15cm in adult;
Ring shaped
Connected to cricothyroid ligament at C6
Arytenoid Cartilages
Small upward protrusions at the back of larynx;
Attached to cricoid cartilage by crycoarytenoid muscles;
attached to vocal cords and span across larynx to part of thyroid cartilage
Corniculate cartilages
“Horn-like”;
rest on top of arytenoids;
during swallowing, epiglottis meets with corniculates to seal off airway
