H and N 1.95

Question 1

Can the parathyroid gland vary in location?

Answer 1

• Because of their embryonic development, the parathyroid glands, especially the inferior pair, may vary in location
• Although most people have 4 parathyroid glands, it is not uncommon to have more than 4, with some variability in locatio

Question 2

What must be done in neck surgery?

Answer 2

During neck surgery, it is important to note the location of the recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Question 3

Where do both recurrent nerves typically ascend from?

Answer 3

Both recurrent nerves typically ascend in the tracheoesophageal groove and are in close relationship to the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland

Question 4

What does the right recurrent laryngeal nerve loop around?

Answer 4

right subclavian artery

Question 5

What does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve loop around?

Answer 5

the arch of the aorta

Question 6

What is the most common type of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 6

1. The most common type of hyperthyroidism in patients younger than 40 years old is Graves’ disease
2. The excess release of thyroid hormone upregulates tissue metabolism and leads to symptoms indicating increased metabolism (excitability, flushing, warm skin, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, tremor, exophthalmos, myxedema, goiter).

Question 7

What can hyperthyroidism lead to?

Answer 7

• Primary hyperparathyroidism leads to the secretion of excess parathyroid hormone that increases plasma calcium levels at the expense of calcium deposition in the bones (weakens the bones).
• Normally, about 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in bone

Question 8

What does the pharynx consist of?

Answer 8

• Nasopharynx
• Oropharynx
• Laryngopharynx

Question 9

Where is the nasopharynx?

Answer 9

lies directly behind the nasal cavities, or choanae

Question 10

Where is the oropharynx?

Answer 10

lies between the soft palate and epiglottis, directly behind the oral cavity

Question 11

Where is the laryngophasrynx?

Answer 11

(also called the hypopharynx) is the lower portion of the pharynx; it lies between the epiglottis and the beginning of the esophagus

Question 12

How does food move in swallowing?

Answer 12

During swallowing, food moves from the oral cavity into the oropharynx, prompting the soft palate to rise and seal off the nasopharynx

Question 13

What does the epiglottis do?

Answer 13

The epiglottis bends downward, while the laryngeal apparatus moves upward, closing off the laryngeal inlet

Question 14

What does the bolus of food do?

Answer 14

The bolus of food cascades around the epiglottis and passes through the piriform fossae to enter the upper esophagus

Question 15

What can become stuck in the piriform fossae?

Answer 15

Small bones (fish bones) can become lodged in the piriform fossae, causing great pain and a feeling of choking or gagging

Question 16

Why is it hard to remake bones?

Answer 16

Caution must be exercised when removing the bone so as not to damage the underlying mucosa because the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (sensory to the laryngopharynx and larynx above the vocal folds) lies just beneath this mucosa