Anatomy of the Larynx Flashcards
Name the 4 functions of the larynx
Airway protection, ventilation, production of sound and cough reflex
What marks the start and end of the larynx?
Laryngeal inlet to lower border of cricoid cartilage (C6)
Name the 4 parts of cartilage that form the larynx
Epiglottis, thyroid cartilage, arytenoid cartilage and cricoid cartilage
Which membrane is gone through in a cricothyroidotomy?
Cricothyroid membrane
Which membrane connects to the epiglottis and forms the false vocal cords (vestibular ligament)?
Quadrangular membrane
Which membrane forms the true vocal cords?
Cricothyroid membrane
Which structure keeps the vocal cords moist?
Saccule, contains mucous glands between the vestibular and vocal folds
What type of epithelium is the true vocal cords?
Stratified squamous epithelium
What are the 2 main actions of the Intrinsic laryngeal muscles?
Alter size/shape of inlet or tension/position of vocal cords
Which muscle abducts the vocal cords?
Posterior cricoarytenoid
Which nerve supplies all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx except one?
Recurrent laryngeal of vagus
Which nerve supplies the cricothyroid muscle?
External branch of superior laryngeal nerve
What is the action of the cricothyroid muscle?
Tilts thyroid cartilage forward on cricoid increasing vocal cord tension to reach a higher pitch
Which nerve delivers sensory to the supraglottic region?
Internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve
