Larynx Flashcards
What are the main functions of the larynx? x2
- Phonation (voice)
- Protection of the lower respiratory tract
How is the larynx made up?re
- Houses vocal cords
- 9 cartilages
- Suspended from the hyoid bone
What are the three unpaired cartilages of the larynx?
- Epiglottis
- Thyroid cartilage
- Cricoid cartilage
What are the main functions of the thyroid cartilage? x3
- Protects the glottis and trachea entrance
- Forms anterior and posterior laryngeal walls
- Attachment for laryngeal muscles and ligaments
What are the main functions of the cricoid cartilage? x2
- Complete ring around the trachea
- Provides larynx support
What are the main functions of the epiglottis? x1
Swallowing - drops to cover entry into larynx
What are the three smaller paired laryngeal cartilages called?
- Arytenoid
- Corniculate
- Cuneiform
What is the function of the arytenoid and corniculate cartilages?
Opening and closing the space between the vocal folds
What happens when the vocal folds are open?
Open valve
Airstream passes uninterrupted
Silent breathing
Abduction
What happens when the vocal folds are closed?
Closed valve
No air passes through
Closed during swallowing to protect the lower respiratory tract from food and liquids
Adduction
What is phonation?
Process where vocal folds produce sounds through vibration
Airstream is made audible
What causes the vocal cords to vibrate? x2
Forces and air pressure in the infraglottic cavity
Elasticity of vocal folds (opening and closing)
What is the phonation process?
Lung air flow is stopped by vocal folds
Causes builds up of subglottal air pressure
Causes vocal folds to blow apart
Air moves with increasing velocity through the glottis
Folds are ‘sucked’ back together (Bernoulli Effect)
During speech - vocal tract altered via articulators to make different sounds
What is happening to the vocal folds with voiced sounds?
Vocal folds are together and vibrating
What is happening to the vocal folds with voiceless sounds?
Vocal folds are apart and not vibrating