Basic Physiological Function of the Larynx

Question 1

Common diseases of the throat

Answer 1

• Snoring
• Laryngitis
• Tonsillitis
• Tracheostomy

Question 2

Basic physiology of the larynx

Answer 2

• Swallowing
• Respiration
• Voice
• Taste
• Middle ear Ventilation

Question 3

3 phases of swallowing

Answer 3

• Oral
• Pharyngeal
• Oesophageal

Question 4

Normal oral findings

Answer 4

• Pink, moist lips
• Tongue in the midline, adequate movement
• No lesions
• Tongue, gums, buccal mucosa are pink, moist and smooth
• No bleeding
• Smooth, white teeth, no dental carries

Question 5

Normal pharyngeal findings

Answer 5

• Soft palate and uvula rise when Pt says ‘ah’
• Uvula is midline
• No swelling, exudate or lesions
• Gag reflex

Question 6

Abnormal oral findings

Answer 6

• dry, cracked lips
• coating on tongue, thrush
• lesions
• blisters
• tongue, gums, buccal mucosa are red, tender, inflamed

Question 7

Abnormal pharyngeal findings

Answer 7

• tonsils and uvula red and swollen
• posterior pharynx is red with white patches
• hoarse voice
• greyish membrane covering tonsils, uvula, soft palate (glandular fever)

Question 8

What is snoring?

Answer 8

• Relaxation of the upper airway
• Nasal obstruction
  Limiting oxygenation as you sleep
• Causes sleep apnea