Larynx

Question 1

How does the larynx communicate with the laryngopharynx?

Answer 1

Through the laryngeal inlet

Question 2

What structure supports the larynx in the head and neck?

Answer 2

The larynx is suspended from the hyoid bone whilst the trachea is then suspended from the cricoid bone.

Question 3

What is the laryngeal protuberance?

Answer 3

This is an anterior distinct part of the thyroid cartilage which is the most superior part where the 2 lamina join.

Question 4

Name the articulation of the inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage.

Answer 4

This articulates with the cricoid cartilage to produce the cricothyroid joint.

Question 5

Name the 3 processes of the arytenoid cartilage

Answer 5

Vocal
Muscular
Superior

Question 6

What articulates with the lateral facet of the cricoid cartilage?

Answer 6

Inferior horn of thyroid cartilage

Question 7

Name the 3 membranes present in the larynx

Answer 7

Thyrohyoid
Cricothyroid
Quadrangular

Question 8

What is the thickening the anterior of the cricothyroid membrane called?

Answer 8

Median cricothyroid ligament.

Question 9

What is the attachment of the epiglottis?

Answer 9

Deep surface of thyroid cartilage.

Question 10

Describe the location of th quadrangular membrane.

Answer 10

This originates from the superior process of the arytenoid cartilages and attaches onto the deep surface of the thyroid cartilage and the lateral surface of the epiglottis. This produces and inferior free edge which forms the false vocal cords.

Question 11

What structure produces the false vocal cords?

Answer 11

Free inferior border of quadrangular membrane.

Question 12

Describe the location of the cricothyroid membrane.

Answer 12

This originates from the superior border of the cricoid bone and inserts anteriorly into the thyroid cartilage and posteriorly onto the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage. The superior free edge is thickened forming the vocal ligament.

Question 13

What structure forms the true vocal cords?

Answer 13

Thickening of Superior free edge of cricothyroid membrane. These meet anteriorly at the median cricothyroid ligament.

Question 14

What is a laryngeal saccule?

Answer 14

This is a superior and anterior continuation of the laryngeal ventricles which are outpouchings located between the true and false vocal cords.

Question 15

Where is the vestibule of the larynx?

Answer 15

Superior to the false vocal cords.

Question 16

What is the name of the space in the larynx below the true vocal cords?

Answer 16

Infraglottic space

Question 17

Name the muscles which have a role in control of pitch of sound.

Answer 17

Thyroarytenoid and cricothyroid muscle

Question 18

What function does cricothyroid muscle perform?

Answer 18

This approximates the thyroid and cricoid cartilages which leads to lengthening and increased tension in the vocal cords.

Question 19

What is the function of thyroarytenoid?

Answer 19

Opposes cricothyroid.
Increases the distance between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages thus reducing the length of and the tension in the vocal cords.

Question 20

Name the muscle of the larynx supplied by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.

Answer 20

Cricothyroid.

Question 21

Name the muscles of the larynx responsible for addiction and abduction of the vocal cords,.

Answer 21

Transverse and Oblique interarytenoid
Posterior cricoarytenoid
Lateral cricoarytenoid

Question 22

From which laryngeal muscle do some fibres form the aryepiglotticus muscle?

Answer 22

Oblique interarytenoid muscle.

Question 23

What is the function of lateral arytenoid and how does it achieve this?

Answer 23

This adducts the vocal cords by attaching from the lateral border of the cricoid cartilage to the muscular process of the arytenoid causing medial rotation.

Question 24

Describe the attachments of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles.

Answer 24

These originate in the posterior fossa on the cricoid cartilage and insert into the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage producing lateral rotation and adducting the vocal cords.

Question 25

Which nerve supplies the majority of the muscles of the larynx?

Answer 25

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (CN X)

Question 26

What does the Vagus nerve supply to the larynx?

Answer 26

GVA,

SVE

Question 27

Where do the recurrent laryngeal Nerves loop around?

Answer 27

Left - arch of aorta, right - subclavian

Question 28

What does the superior laryngeal nerve supply?

Answer 28

Internal branch - general sensation to larynx above vocal folds
External branch - cricothyroid muscle.