Larynx Flashcards
larynx functions
- phonation
- sphincter for respiratory system (regulates air to/from lungs, allows inc in abd pressure via valsalva)
- acts w/ oral cavity, oral pharynx in process of deglutition
upper boundary of larynx
tip of epiglottis, opposite to C3/C4
lower boundary of larynx
lower border of cricoid cartilage, opposite to C6
the larynx opens into the ________ above and is continuous w/ the _______ below
the larynx opens into the LARYNGEAL PT OF THE PHARYNX above and is continuous w/ the TRACHEA below
3 median (unpaired) cartilages of the larynx
- epiglottis
- thyroid cartilage
- cricoid cartilage
3 paired cartilages of the larynx
- arytenoid
- corniculate
- cuneiform
thyroid cartilage has 2 laminae that meet at midline and form the ________________, with the ________________ at its rostral margin
thyroid cartilage has 2 laminae that meet at midline and form the LARYNGEAL PROMINENCE, with the THYROID NOTCH at its rostral margin
the posterior border of each thyroid cartilage lamina forms _______________
the posterior border of each thyroid cartilage lamina forms SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR HORNS
Which m. attach to the oblique lines of the thyroid cartilage?
thyrohyoid
sternothyroid
inferior constrictor
Which structures attach to superior border of thyroid cartilage?
throhyoid membrane
vertebral level of cricoid cartilage
C6, lies below thyroid cartilage
first and only complete tracheal ring
cricothyroid cartilage
articular facets on the cricoid cartilage
on lateral surface –> for inferior horn of thyroid cartilage
on upper border for articulation w/ base of arytenoid cartilage
^both synovial joints
arytenoid cartilages
- location
- articulations
- back of larynx
- not fixed on posterior lamina of cricoid, can move
base: articulates w/ upper border cricoid cartilage
apex: supports corniculate cartilage
vocal process: projects forward, attachment to vocal ligament
muscular process: lateral
rima glottidis
space between vocal cords
varies w/ position of vocal folds (depends on position of arytenoids)
epiglottis
- flexible (elastic cartilage)
- behind root of tongue
- upper edge is free
hyoepiglottic ligament
connects front of epiglottis to body of hyoid bone
thyroepiglottic ligament
connects stalk of epiglottis to thyroid cartilage
aryepiglottic folds
located at the entrance of the larynx
overlie quadrangular membrane
extend from the lateral borders epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages
(close space between epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages)
anterior mucosa of epiglottis is reflected onto tongue forming 3 ________ and ________
anterior mucosa of epiglottis is reflected onto tongue forming 3 GLOSSOEPIGLOTTIC FOLDS and VALLECULAE
vallecula
space between posterior portion of tongue and epiglottis
during swallowing, food passes over posterior portion of tongue through the _______, and down into _________ can be trapped before entering esophagus
during swallowing, food passes over posterior portion of tongue through the VALLECULA, and down into PIRIFORM RECESS where it can be trapped before entering esophagus
corniculate cartilages
- small conical nodules
- sit superior to and articulate w/ apices of arytenoid cartilages and prolong them
- can be seen as projections into the vocal area
cuneiform cartilages
- small, rod shaped
- in each aryepiglottic folds –> prod small elevation
- NO articulations w/ any other cartilage
Which cartilages support the aryeepiglottic fold?
corniculate and cuneiform cartilages
arytenoids glide/rotate on the lamina of the _____, changing the angle between _____
arytenoids glide/rotate on the lamina of the CRICOID, changing the angle between VOCAL LIGAMENTS
thyrohyoid membrane has openings for which structures
internal laryngeal n. (br. of superior laryngeal br. of vagus)
superior laryngeal a. (br. of superior thyroid a.)
cricotracheal membrane
connects cricoid cartilage to first tracheal ring
quadrangular membrane
between epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages
- lower free edge: vestibular ligament
- upper free edge: aryepiglottic fold
vestibular ligament lies within the _______ (________)
vestibular ligament lies within the VESTIBULAR FOLD (FALSE VOCAL FOLDS)
conus elasticus origin/attachments
upper edge: forms vocal ligament
lower edge: attached to upper border of cricoid cartilage
anterior attachment: thyroid cartilage
posterior attachment: arytenoid cartilage
vocal ligament
upper free edge of conus elasticus
attached anteriorly to deep surface of thyroid cartilage and posteriorly to vocal process of arytenoid cartilage
pt of the TRUE vocal cords
conus elasticus functions
- sound production (vibrate)
2. close rima glottidis (stops outflow of air, upward movement of diaphragm, inc abd cavity pressure)
ventricle
area between true and false vocal folds
entrance into sinus of the larynx
vestibule
inlet above false vocal cords
false vocal cords
vestibular folds (overlay vestibular ligaments)
- little/no pt in voice prod
- protective role