Larynx

Question 1

What is the main functions of the larynx

Answer 1

Acts as a compound sphincter to prevent the passage of food or drink into airway during swallowing, regulates the flow of air to and from the lungs during vocalization

• Larynx lies anterior to the bodies of C3-C6 vertebrae; connects laryngopharynx to trachea
o passageway for inspired & expired air
o protective sphincter that guards air passages (especially during swallowing
o responsible for vocalization

Question 2

Describe the thyroid cartilage

Answer 2

o THYROID CARTILAGE- largest; superior border= C4; composed of 2 laminae, unpaired

Superiorly it attaches to hyoid via thyrohyoid membrane
Anteriorly two flat laminae join anteriorly at laryngeal prominence
Posteriorly it is incomplete
Superior and inferior horns off posterior margin, inferior horn to cricoid cartilage
Oblique line on lateral face running obliquely, attachmentor sternothyroid, thryohyoid, and inferior constrictor mm.

Question 3

Describe the cricoid cartilage

Answer 3

o CRICOID CARTILAGE smaller but thicker & stronger than thyroid cartilage; C6 vertebral level, unpaired
♣ ONLY complete ring of cartilage to encircle any part of airway
♣ shaped like signet ring (band anteriorly; largery posteriorly)
• Lamina (high)= posterior portion
• Arch (narrow)= anterior portion
It has superior facets for arytenoid cartilages
♣ attaches to inferior margin of thyroid cartilage by MEDIAN CRICOTHYROID LIGAMENT
• blends laterally with CONUS ELASTICUS (membrane of larynx)
♣ attaches to 1st tracheal ring (that is just inferior) by CRICOTRACHEAL LIGAMENT

Question 4

Describe the epiglottis

Answer 4

Single elastic cartilage, spoon shaped, behind tongue

Lower end is attached to back of thyroid cartilage

Question 5

Describe arytenoid cartilage

Answer 5

o ARYTENOID- paired cartilages shaped like 3-sided pyramids
♣ Apex= Superior (articulates with corniculate cartilage)
♣ Anterior Vocal Process= Attachment of Vocal Ligament and vocal m.
♣ Muscular Process= Attachment of muscles that move crico-arytenoid joints
• permits arytenoids to slide toward or away from one another, to tilt anteriorly or posteriorly, & to rotate (important for tensing/relaxing vocal folds for phonation)

Question 6

Describe corniculate cartilage

Answer 6

o CORNICULATE- paired cartilages located on apex of arytenoid cartilage, enclosed within aryepiglottic folds

Question 7

Describe cuneiform cartilage

Answer 7

o CUNEIFORM- paired cartilages located in aryepiglottic folds (make up most of folds); do not directly articulate with other laryngeal cartilage