Larynx Flashcards
What is the function of the strap muscles in swallowing?
suprahyoid and stylophayngeus muscles elevate larynx during swallowing
infrahyoid muscles depress larynx
What structure folds down over larynx during swallowing?
epiglottis - diverts food down the back through piriform fossa
When is swallowing less effective?
when patient is anaesthetised and when patient is in supine position
What is the function of the internal muscles of the larynx?
-they move individual components of larynx which is vital during breathing and phonation
What is the action of the cricothyroid muscle?
stretches and tenses vocal ligament, raises pitch of voice
What is the action of the thyroarytenoid muscle?
relaxes vocal ligament
What is the action of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle?
abducts vocal folds by opening rima glottidis
What is the action of the lateral cricothyroid?
adducts vocal folds
What is the action of the transverse and oblique arytenoids?
adducts arytenoid cartilages
The larynx receives both motor and sensory innervation from which cranial nerve?
vagus nerve
Two folds are present in the larynx. What are these called?
upper fold = vestibular fold (false vocal fold)
lower fold = vocal fold
What is the function of the superior laryngeal n.?
main sensory n. of larynx
innervates mucosa above vocal fold
motor innervation to cricothyroid m.
What is the function of the recurrent laryngeal n.?
provides sensory innervation for mucosa below vocal fold
controls all intrinsic muscles of larynx except cricothyroid
