Larynx Flashcards
What is the larynx?
It is the organ of voice production and the part of the respiratory tract between the lower pharynx and the trachea.
It prevents the passage of food into the airway and regulates airflow for vocalization (phonation).
What are the single cartilages of the larynx?
Epiglottis
Thyroid
Cricoid
What are the paired cartilages of the larynx?
Arytenoid
Corinculate
Cuneiform
What is the only complete ring of cartilage in the larynx?
Cricoid
What are the boundaries of the larynx?
It extends from C3 to C6
What attaches the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is attached to the thyroid cartilage by the thyroepiglottic ligament
What is the aryepiglottic fold?
It makes up the opening of the larynx
What are the joints of the cricoid cartilage?
Cricothyroid Joints
Cricoarytenoid Joints
Where do the vocal cords attach?
They attach to the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage
What are extrinsic membranes of the larynx?
Extrinsic membranes connect the laryngeal apparatus with adjacent structures for support.
Name the extrinsic membranes of the larynx.
Thyrohyoid Membrane
Cricotracheal Membrane
What structures pierce the thyrohyoid membrane?
Internal laryngeal nerve & superior laryngeal artery
Name the intrinsic membranes of the larynx.
Quadrangular Membrane
Cricothyroid Membrane
What does the quadrangular membrane contain and what does it run between?
It contains the cuneiform cartilages and it runs between the epiglottis and the arytenoid cartilages.
What is the cricothyroid membrane also known as?
Conus Elasticus
What is located above the quadrangular membrane?
Aryepiglottic Fold
What is located below the quadrangular membrane?
False Vocal Cords (AKA Vestibular Ligaments)
What does the upper border of the cricothyroid membrane form?
True Vocal Cords
What is the space between the true vocal folds?
Rima Glottidis (Glottis)
What is the rima vestibuli?
It is the space between the false vocal cords
What are the muscles of the larynx?
Cricothyroid Posterior Cricoarytenoid Lateral Cricoarytenoid Transverse Arytenoid Oblique Arytenoid Thyroarytenoid and Vocalis
What is the only abductor of the larynx?
Posterior Cricoarytenoid
What muscle is involved in whispering?
Thyro-arytenoid
Cricothyroid Innervation
External Laryngeal Nerve (branch of Vagus Nerve)
