Larynx Flashcards
What is a musculofascial half-cylinder that links the oral and nasal cavities in the head to the larynx and esophagus in neck?
pharynx
What is a hallow musculoligamentous structure with cartilaginous framework?
larynx
Where is the larynx located?
opposite C3-C6
Functions of the larynx
connection b/t pharynx and trachea, prevent foreign bodies from entering airways, production of sound
What is the function of cricoid-arytenoid joints?
enable arytenoid cartilages to life from or to each other (adducting vocal ligaments)
What thickens to form lateral and medial thryohyoid lig?
thyrohyoid membrane
What happens if aspirate foreign bodies?
lodge in vestibule, blockage may seal off larynx and produce muscle spasms, vocal cords close and no air passes death in ~ 5 min (may require Heimlich or cricothyrotomy)
Posterior cricoarytenoid m O, I, A, N
posterior lamina of cricoid cartilage to muscular process of arytenoid cartilage
- ONLY mm to OPEN glottidis by abducting arytenoid cartilage
- recurrent laryngeal n
Transverse arytenoid m action
adducts vocal folds
- recurrent laryngeal n
Thyroarytenoid mm action
shorten and relax vocal cords; sphincter of vestibule and laryngeal inlet
- recurrent laryngeal n
- Sup and medial fibers make up vocalis mm
Vocalis m action
alter vocal cords during phonation
- recurrent laryngeal n
- run parallel with vocal cords, adjusting tension on cords for phonation
Lateral cricoarytenoid mm action
adducts vocal folds
- recurrent laryngeal n
oblique arytenoid mm actionb
adducts vocal folds
- recurrent laryngeal n
What are laryngospams?
spasmodic closure of glottis, life-threatening as breathing becomes impossible, spasm of laryngeal mm may occur from many causes
What happens if injury to internal laryngeal nn?
loss of sensory to superior larynx - enable food to more easily enter larynx
