Larynx Flashcards
What are the two functions of the larynx?
Sound production
Closes off respiratory system - allows increase in abdominal pressure
When the larynx closes off trachea, forced expiration produces increased abdominal pressure
What is the adam’s apple?
Laryngeal prominence of the thyroid cartilage
What type of joint is the joint between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and what does it permit?
Hinge joint
Permits tilting, changes the pitch of sound
What type of joint is the joint between the artenoid and cricoid cartilages?
Synovial joint
Permits rotation and sliding
Open or close larynx
What is the epiglottis?
Leaf shaped cartilage posterior to root of tongue; connected to body of hyoid and post side of thyroid cartialge
What is the thyrohyoid membrane? Median thyrohyoid ligament?
Structural ligament that links larynx to hyoid
Thickened midline part
What is the Cricothyroid membrane? Median cricothyroid ligament?
Structural ligament that links thyroid to cricoid
Thickened midline part
What is the cricotracheal ligament?
Links cricoid to first tracheal cartilage
What is the quadrangular membrane?
Links arytenoid to epiglottis
What is the thyroepiglottic ligament?
Links epiglottis to thyroid cartilage
What is the conus elasticus?
Vibrating lips that aris from the entire upper edge of the arch of the cricoid.
Attaches anteriorly to the thyroid cartilage, posteriorly to arytenoid
What are the vocal ligaments?
Upper free edge of the conus elasticus
What is the rima glottidis?
Opening between the vocal ligaments
Why are males’ voices deeper than females?
The laryngeal prominence grows more in males, which makes their vocal ligaments longer
What is the function of the extrinsic muscles of the larynx?
Move whole larynx as in swallowing
