Larynx Flashcards
Where is the larynx?
Between the hyoid bone above, and trachea below
What vertebral level is the pharynx at?
C4-6
What are the functions of the larynx?
Ventilation
Airway protection
Allows us to cough
Production of sound
How is the larynx involved in ventilation?
Allow movement of air into and out of the lungs
How is the larynx involved in airway protection?
Preventing food and liquid that we swallow from entering the airway
Why is coughing important?
Important protective mechanism to expel rapidly any substances that have inadvertently found their way into the lower airways
What modifies the production of sound?
Pharynx Oral cavity Lips Teeth Tongue
What does the pharynx consist of?
Series of cartilages and bones
What is the structural framework of the larynx formed by?
Epiglottis
Thyroid cartilage
Cricoid cartilages
Arytenoid cartilages
What is the epiglottis?
A leaf shaped plate of fibroelastic cartilage
What is the function of the epiglottis?
Safety flap over larynx
What are the surfaces of the epiglottis?
Lingual
Underside
What epithelium does the lingual surface of the epiglottis have?
Stratified squamous epithelium
Why does the lingual surface of the epiglottis have stratified squamous epithelium?
Resistant to abrasion of bolus
What epithelium does the underside of the epiglottis have?
Columnar epithelium
What is the epiglottis attached to anteriorly?
Hyoid
What is the epiglottis attached to posteriorly?
Back of the thyroid cartilage
How is the epiglottis attached to the thyroid cartilage?
Thyroepiglottic ligament
What are the sides of the epiglottis attached to?
Arytenoids
How are the arytenoids attached to the sides of the epiglottis?
Aryepiglottic folds
What happens to the aryepiglottic folds?
Run backwards to form margins of entrance of larynx
What is the vallecula?
A depression between the tongue base and epiglottis
What is the significance of the vallecula?
It is where a laryngoscope is put
What is the thyroid cartilage attached to superiorly?
Hyoid bone