Larynx Flashcards
Q: What is the anatomical location of the thyroid cartilage?
A: The thyroid cartilage is located in the anterior part of the neck, just below the hyoid bone and above the cricoid cartilage. It is the largest cartilage of the larynx.
Q: Where is the cricoid cartilage located relative to the thyroid cartilage?
A: The cricoid cartilage is located inferior to the thyroid cartilage and superior to the trachea. It forms a complete ring around the airway.
Q: Where is the cricothyroid muscle located?
A: The cricothyroid muscle is located on the anterior aspect of the larynx, overlying the cricoid cartilage. It extends from the cricoid cartilage to the lower border and inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage.
Q: Where is the hyoid bone located in the human body?
A: The hyoid bone is located in the anterior neck, at the level of the C3 vertebra, between the mandible (lower jaw) and the thyroid cartilage. It lies just above the larynx and is suspended by muscles and ligaments, making it the only bone in the body that does not articulate directly with any other bone.
Q: What are the aryepiglottic folds, and where are they located?
A: The aryepiglottic folds are folds of mucous membrane that extend from the sides of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages. They form the lateral borders of the laryngeal inlet and contain muscle fibers (the aryepiglottic muscles) that help close the laryngeal inlet during swallowing.
Q: What is the epiglottis, and what is its function?
A: The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage located at the root of the tongue, above the larynx. Its main function is to cover the laryngeal inlet during swallowing, preventing food and liquids from entering the airway.
Q: What are the valleculae, and where are they located?
A: The valleculae are depressions or pockets located between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis. They are important landmarks in the oropharynx and are involved in guiding the food bolus during swallowing.
Q: What membrane connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, and what is its significance?
A: The cricothyroid membrane connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. It is significant in emergency airway procedures like cricothyrotomy, where it is incised to provide an airway.
Q: Where is the epiglottis attached, and what is its significance?
A: The epiglottis is attached to the posterior aspect of the thyroid cartilage at the thyroepiglottic ligament. This attachment allows the epiglottis to pivot during swallowing, covering the laryngeal inlet to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea, thereby protecting the airway.
Q: What are the main processes of the arytenoid cartilages, and what is their function?
A: The arytenoid cartilages have two main processes: the vocal process and the muscular process. The vocal process is where the vocal cords attach and is involved in voice production, while the muscular process is where muscles that control the movement of the vocal cords attach.
