Larynx

Question 1

functions of larynx?

Answer 1

phonation
respiration
protection (of trachea / bronchial tree during swallowing)

Question 2

what is the larynx composed of?

Answer 2

9 cartilages (3 single in thyroid, cricoid, epiglottic and 3 paired in arytenoid, corniculate, cuneiform)
connected by ligaments and membranes

Question 3

what does the larynx contain?

Answer 3

vocal folds

Question 4

where is the larynx?

Answer 4

lies in the anterior neck, at C3-C6

Question 5

what does the larynx connect? (where larynx spans)

Answer 5

inferior oropharynx (pharynx) to trachea

Question 6

how can you think of the larynx and its surrounding anatomy?

Answer 6

larynx = knight
crown is hyoid bone
shield - thyroid cartilage
cricoid cartilage = belt (only complete circular cartilage even posteriorly)

Question 7

describe the thyroid cartilage

Answer 7

largest cartilage

superior border - C4

Question 8

what does the thyroid cartilage contain?

Answer 8

laryngeal prominence forming “Adam’s apple” (part that protrudes out)
superior thyroid notch = JUST superior to laryngeal prominence

Question 9

which part of the thyroid cartilage attaches to the hyoid bone?

Answer 9

superior horn (of thyroid cartilage) projects posteriorly, attaches to hyoid bone (via lateral thyroid ligament, recurrent laryngeal nerve lateral to LATERAL thyroid ligament)

Question 10

which part of the thyroid cartilage attaches to the cricoid bone?

Answer 10

inferior horn attaches to cricoid

thyroid cartilage also contains inferior thyroid notch - most inferior point of laryngeal prominence

Question 11

describe the cricoid cartilage

Answer 11

most inferiorly
it is a signet ring shape (signet posterior)
limiting factor to airway diameter especially in children

Question 12

where does cricoid cartilage attach? (inferior)

Answer 12

1st tracheal ring by cricotracheal ligament (larynx becomes trachea)

Question 13

how does the cricoid cartilage articulate with the thyroid cartilage? (superior)

Answer 13

cricoid cartilage articulates with thyroid cartilage’s inferior horns via lateral facets, forms CRICOTHYROID joint
via MEDIAN cricothyroid ligament

Question 14

what are arytenoids cartilages?

Answer 14

paired pyramid shaped cartilages
posterior to thyroid cartilage
superior to cricoid cartilage

Question 15

what do arytenoids cartilages articulate with?

Answer 15

base of arytenoids cartilages articulate with (superior) cricoid cartilage

Question 16

function of arytenoids cartilages?

Answer 16

vocal cord movement

changing position to alter shape and resonance of vocal cords (alters whether vocal cords are ABducted or ADducted)

Question 17

what do the epiglottic cartilage consist of? why is this important?

Answer 17

elastic fibrocartilage (giving flexibility to epiglottis)

Question 18

where is the epiglottic cartilage? what does the epiglottic cartilage form?

Answer 18

sits posterior to hyoid bone (most superior), forming:

superior margin and anterior wall of laryngeal inlet (larynx and larygopharynx communication, medial to piriform fossa)

Question 19

what does epiglottic cartilage articulate with?

Answer 19

thyroid cartilage posterior (inferiorly) via thyroepiglottic ligament
(articulates with hyoid bone via hyoepiglottic ligament)

Question 20

what is the vallecula?

Answer 20

depression between base of tongue and epiglottis

common place for an object e.g. food to get stuck

Question 21

where are the corniculate and cuneiform cartilages?

Answer 21

small nodules in posterior epiglottic cartilage