Cartilages of the Larynx

Question 1

What is the Larynx

Answer 1

It is a 2 inch long tube that opens into the pharynx above and trachea below. it also houses the vocal folds.

Question 2

What are the functions of the larynx

Answer 2

Respiration (breathing), Airway protection (coughing), Deglutition (swallowing), Phonation(speaking) , Sphincteric function (straining and fine motor.

Question 3

What are the structural components of the larynx?

Answer 3

1. Cartilaginous skeleton (connective)
2. Membranes and ligaments (connective)
3. Intrinsic and extrinsic muscle (muscle)
4. Mucosal lining (epithelial)

Question 4

What are some important facts regarding the Hyoid Bone?

Answer 4

• Only bone in the human body that doesn’t articulate with other bones.
• Has a sling like function to allow for wider ranges of movement for the tongue, laryngeal, and pharyngeal movements

Question 5

How does the hyoid bone assist in swallowing?

Answer 5

• During swallowing, it pulls the larynx upward and aids in opening the junction b/w the pharynx and esophagus.

Question 6

What are the cartilages of the Larynx?

Answer 6

3 single Cartilages
1. Thyroid
2. Cricoid
3. Epiglottis
3 Paired Cartilages
1. Arytenoids
2. Corniculates
3. Cuneiforms

Question 7

Name and compare the 2 different types of cartilages

Answer 7

Elastic:
- greater flexibility
- Can withstand bending
- does not ossify
Hyaline:
- firmer
- more stable structure

Question 8

How are cartilages connected and how do they move?

Answer 8

Connected by:
- Joints, Membranes, ligaments
Move by;
- Muscle

Question 9

Name the 3 types of connections between articulating bones.

Answer 9

1. Sutures
2. Synovial Joints
3. Cartilaginous Joints

Question 10

Explain the connection at a Suture:

Answer 10

It is a fixed Joint at the connection. They are connected by a white fibrous tissue.

Question 11

Explain the mechanisms of the connection at a Synovial Joint:

Answer 11

A smooth convex surface of a bone moves against a smooth concave surface of another. (Wide range of movement)

Question 12

Explain the mechanisms of the connection at a Cartilaginous joint:

Answer 12

2 bones with relatively flat surfaces (limited movement)

Question 13

Briefly describe the epiglottis’ anatomy:

Answer 13

Leaf-shaped, elastic structure, behind the root of the tongue.
1. Front connects with the hyoid bone as well as ligament and mucosa. ( glossoepiglottic folds)
2. Stalk connects to inner surface of the thyroid (thyroepiglottic ligament)
3. Laterally attaches to Aryepiglottic fold
4. Upper edge + posterior are not attached to anything and are covered in mucosa.

Question 14

What are the functions of the epiglottis

Answer 14

• Locks the airway when you swallow
• Protects your Airway

Question 15

What are the Valleculae and what is their function

Answer 15

2 pockets made of 3 glossoepiglottic folds attached to the epiglottis that prevent food and drinks from entering the airways.

Question 16

briefly describe the anatomy of the thyroid

Answer 16

• made of 2 plates (laminae) that meet and form the laryngeal prominence (Adam’s apple).
• Posterior of the lamina form 2 horns. the superior and inferior cornu.
• Outer surface shows a line which attaches to multiple structure (thyrohyoid, sternothyroid, & inferior constrictor of the
  pharynx)
• superior border attaches to the thyrohyoid membrane.

Question 17

Briefly describe the anatomy of the Cricoid cartilage

Answer 17

• ring-like structure below the thyroid cartilage and continuous below with the trachea.
• Broad posterior lamina w/ narrow anterior arch
• 2 articulatory facets on each side
  
  1. lateral surface with inferior cornu
  2. upper border with base of arytenoid cartilage
     - both synovial joints

Question 18

Briefly describe the anatomy of the arytenoid cartilage

Answer 18

• shaped like a 3-surfaced pyramid.
• Base articulates with the upper border of the cricoid cartilage
• apex attached to corniculate cartilage
• vocal process gives attachment to the vocal ligament
• posterior is smooth and concave*(covered in transverse arytenoid muscle)
• Medial surface is smooth, flat, and narrow (covered in mucosa)
  -anterolateral surface is convex* and rough. it attaches to the vestibular ligament and vocalis muscle.

Question 19

briefly describe the anatomy of Corniculate Cartilage

Answer 19

• 2 small conical nodules (elastic cartilage) which articulate with the arytenoids
• situated in the posterior parts of the aryepiglottic folds

Question 20

Briefly describe the anatomy of the Cuneiform Cartilages

Answer 20

• 2 small, club shaped structures (elastic)
• dont articulate with any other cartilage
• located within the aryepiglottic folds under the surface of the mucosa in the front of the corniculate cartilages

Question 21

Why are the Corniculate and Cuneiform inportant?

Answer 21

Both support the maintenance of the arched shape of the aryepiglottic folds

Question 22

Explain the articulation and distinguish the surfaces between the Arytenoid and Cricoid

Answer 22

• The cricoid articulatory surface is convex while the arytenoid artic. surface, on top, is concave
• The articulation connection does not allow for rotational movement along the vertical axis.

Question 23

Why is there no rotation between the articulatory connection of the Arytenoid and cricoid facets?

Answer 23

The cricoid facet is slightly larger than the arytenoid. Thus only gliding and rocking movements are able to occur

Question 24

Describe the gliding movements that occur in the glottis.

Answer 24

the arytenoids glide along the longitudinal axis of the cricoid facet to close space between the 2 arytenoids.

Question 25

describe and name the 2 rocking movements of the arytenoids in respect to the glottis.

Answer 25

Dorso-medio cranial:
opens the glottis

Ventro-latero caudal:
Closes the glottis

• both names describe the movement of the apex
• the vocal process and attached vocal ligaments move in opposite directions
• movemnt describes the arytenoid facets moving on the transverse axis of the convex cricoid facet