Final: 8 Apr 25 8 Apr Anatomy and Function of the Larynx and Trachea Flashcards
What is the primary structure of the larynx?
A cartilaginous structure connected to the hyoid bone
What connects the larynx to the hyoid bone?
Ligaments and skeletal muscles
What is the average length of the trachea?
10 to 13 centimeters
What is the typical internal diameter of the trachea compared to a common object?
About the width of a thumb
What type of tissue primarily makes up the trachea?
Cartilage and annular ligaments
How many pieces of tracheal cartilage are typically found in an adult?
About 20
What is the shape of the cartilaginous rings in the trachea?
C-shaped
What is the purpose of the opening in the back of the trachea?
Facilitates swallowing
What occurs in the trachea during coughing?
Increased airflow velocity due to the folding of connective tissue
What are goblet cells responsible for?
Mucus production in the upper airways
What are the main bronchopulmonary segments in the right lung?
10 segments
How many bronchopulmonary segments are typically found in the left lung?
8 segments
What is the typical length of the right main stem bronchus?
About 2 centimeters
What is the typical length of the left main stem bronchus?
About 4 to 6 centimeters
What angle does the right main stem bronchus deviate from vertical?
About 25 degrees
What angle does the left main stem bronchus deviate from vertical?
About 45 degrees
What is the total angle of bifurcation between the main stems?
About 70 degrees
What is the name of the cartilage at the bifurcation of the trachea?
Carina
What is a common procedure for establishing an airway in emergencies?
Tracheostomy
What is the median cricothyroid ligament?
A connective tissue that connects the cricoid cartilage to the thyroid cartilage
What is a potential consequence of using an endotracheal tube?
Bypassing normal humidification and warming of inspired air
How does head position affect the length and diameter of the trachea?
Extending the head makes it longer and flexing the head makes it wider
True or False: The left main stem bronchus is shorter and wider than the right main stem bronchus.
False
What happens to the internal diameter of the trachea when tubing is stretching?
It is probably going to be reduced.
How does head position affect the internal tracheal diameter?
Flexing the head down can make the internal diameter larger, while putting the head back can make it smaller.
What is the thyrohyoid membrane?
A large ligament that connects the top of the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone.
Which cartilage forms a continuous circle or oval in the larynx?
Cricoid cartilage.
What is the narrowest point in the upper airway for patients aged 10 years or younger?
Cricoid cartilage.
What is the narrowest point in the upper airway for adults?
Vocal cords.
What is the fancy name for the area between the vocal cords?
Transglottic space.
Where should the pressure cuff of an endotracheal tube sit?
Somewhere below the larynx.
What is the sternal angle?
The ridge at the top of the sternum where the trachea is located.
What is cricoid pressure used for?
To prevent gastric contents from being aspirated.
What is the action of the cricothyroid muscle?
It tightens the vocal cords.
What is the brim of glottis?
The opening between the vocal cords.
What does the vocalis muscle do?
It tightens the vocal cords.
What is the function of the thyroarytenoid muscle?
It adducts the vocal cords.
What does the transverse arytenoid muscle do?
It adducts the vocal cords by pulling the arytenoid cartilages closer together.
What is the role of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle?
It abducts the vocal cords.
Which muscle is the only laryngeal muscle that opens the vocal cords?
Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle.
What happens to the vocal cords when the thyroarytenoid muscle contracts?
The vocal cords tighten.
Fill in the blank: The area where the pressure cuff is felt during intubation is typically at the _______.
sternal notch.
True or False: The cricoid cartilage is not a continuous piece of cartilage.
False.
What is the effect of the cricothyroid muscle on vocal cord tension?
It increases the tension on the vocal cords.
What is the primary function of the muscle that opens the vocal cords?
It is crucial for breathing and allows the vocal cords to open.
What condition is described by the difficulty of breathing due to muscle issues?
Laryngeal spasm.
What are the muscles around the larynx called?
Pharyngeal constrictors.
What is the role of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle?
It helps to close the vocal cords.
How does the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle affect the arytenoid cartilage?
It causes counterclockwise rotation, closing the cords.
How many muscle groups are responsible for tightening or closing the vocal cords?
Five muscle groups.
Which muscle group is solely responsible for opening the vocal cords?
Only one muscle group.
What is the sensory nerve primarily responsible for sensation in the face?
Trigeminal nerve (Cranial nerve V).
What are the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve?
- V1: Ophthalmic division
- V2: Maxillary division
- V3: Mandibular division
What happens to vocal cords when whispering?
They do not vibrate and are more open.
What is the state of the vocal cords during phonation?
They are close together.
What is the consequence of dysfunction in one of the laryngeal nerves?
Speech may still be possible but will sound raspy.
What is the role of the inferior laryngeal nerve?
It innervates and controls most of the muscles in the voice box.
True or False: If one laryngeal nerve is injured, speech is impossible.
False.
What factors can affect the vocal cords’ ability to vibrate?
Degree of openness and closure of the cords.
Fill in the blank: The _______ muscle wraps around the back of the cricoid cartilage.
Posterior cricoarytenoid
What might be required for understanding the anatomy of the vocal cords?
3D anatomy apps or visual aids.
What happens to the vocal cords during normal breathing?
They are usually not completely open.
How does the body compensate for a dysfunctional laryngeal nerve?
Other muscles can still close the cords sufficiently.
What is the impact of atmospheric pressure changes on breathing?
Low pressure at high altitudes and increased pressure underwater affect breathing.
