Larynx Flashcards

1
Q

Where does the majority of the thyroid gland sit in proportion to the larynx

A

Either side and inferiorly

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2
Q

Describe the composition of the larynx

A

Nine cartilages connected by membranes and ligaments and containing the vocal folds

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3
Q

What level is the larynx located

A

At the level of the bodies of C3-C6 vertebra

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4
Q

What are the functions of the larynx

A
  1. Voice production

2. Guard the air passages, especially during swallowing (most vital)

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5
Q

What are the main supporting parts of the larynx composed of

A

Hyaline cartilage (tiny synovial joints between them)

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6
Q

Name the 4 different cartilages of the laryngeal skeleton

A
  1. Thyroid (largest)
  2. Cricoid (signet ring)
  3. Arytenoid (pyramidal)
  4. Epiglottic (elastic)
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7
Q

What forms the laryngeal prominence

A

The inferior 2/3rd of the thyroid cartilage’s laminae fuse anteriorly in the median plane

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8
Q

At what level does the superior border of the thyroid cartilage sit

A

Opposite the C4 vertebra

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9
Q

What is the function of the thyrohyoid membrane

A

It attaches the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone

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10
Q

What does the thyroid cartilage articulate with inferiorly

A

Cricoid cartilage

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11
Q

Describe the appearance of the cricoid cartilage

A

Signet ring shape, with the thin band of the ring facing anteriorly, and the signet gemstone facing posteriorly

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12
Q

What does the cricoid cartilage articulate with

A
Superiorly = Thyroid
Inferiorly = Arytenoid
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13
Q

How is the trachea attached to the cricoid cartilage

A

Via the cricotracheal ligament

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14
Q

What do the arytenoid cartilages articulate with

A

Lateral parts of the cricoid cartilage lamina

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15
Q

What attach to the muscular processes of the arytenoid cartilages

A
  1. Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle
  2. Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle
    These muscles move the vocal folds
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16
Q

What attach to the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages

A

The vocal folds

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17
Q

Name the tiny pieces of cartilage that support the aryepiglottic folds

A
  1. Corniculate (attach aryepiglottic fold)

2. Cuneiform (within aryepiglottic folds)

18
Q

What is epiglottic cartilage composed of

A

Elastic cartilage, unlike the others which are composed of hyaline cartilage

19
Q

What connects the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages

A

The aryepiglottic folds

20
Q

What part of the epiglottis is reflected onto the posterior surface of the tongue

A

The mucous membrane covering the epiglottis:

  1. Median glossoepiglottic fold
  2. Lateral pharyngoepiglottic fold
21
Q

Where does the quadrangular ligament pass from, and to

A

Between the arytenoid cartilages and the epiglottis

22
Q

What forms the false (or vestibular) vocal fold

A

The quadrangular ligament folds over itself close to the arytenoid cartilages to form a thickened free edge

23
Q

What forms the true vocal fold (the vocal ligament)

A

Membrane passing between the cricoid, thyroid, and arytenoid cartilages; the upper border folds to form a free edge (the vocal ligament)

24
Q

What is the rima glottidis

A

The most posterior space between the vocal folds

25
What does each vocal fold contain
Vocal ligament = thickened elastic tissue | Vocalis muscle = fine muscle fibres immediately lateral to the vocal ligaments
26
What produces phonation
Change in airflow through the larynx
27
How are individual sounds and words created
Movements of the lips, cheeks, and tongue
28
What arteries supply the larynx
1. Superior laryngeal | 2. Inferior laryngeal
29
Where do the laryngeal arteries branch from
1. Superior thyroid (external carotid) | 2. Inferior thyroid (subclavian)
30
Describe the venous drainage of the larynx
The laryngeal veins accompany the laryngeal arteries; they drain into the: 1. IJV 2. Left brachiocephalic vein
31
Describe the lymphatic drainage of the larynx superior to the vocal folds
Drain into the superior deep cervical lymph nodes
32
Describe the lymphatic drainage of the larynx inferior to the vocal folds
Drain into the inferior deep cervical lymph nodes
33
Describe the actions of the different types of laryngeal muscles
``` Extrinsic = move the larynx as a whole Intrinsic = move the laryngeal components, altering the length and tension of the vocal fold and the size and shape of the rima glottidis ```
34
Name the 6 intrinsic laryngeal muscles
1. Cricothyroid 2. Thyroarytenoid 3. Posterior cricoarytenoid 4. Lateral cricoarytenoid 5. Oblique arytenoid 6. Transverse arytenoid
35
Describe the innervation to the intrinsic laryngeal muscles
All (except cricothyroid) supplied by the recurrent nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve (CN X)
36
Describe the innervation to the cricothyroid muscle
External laryngeal nerve, one of the two terminal branches of the superior laryngeal nerve
37
Describe the action of the cricothyroid
Tenses and elongates the vocal folds
38
Describe the action of the thyroarytenoid
Relaxes the vocal ligament
39
Describe the action of the posterior cricoarytenoid
Abducts the vocal folds
40
Describe the action of the lateral cricoarytenoid
Adducts the vocal folds
41
Describe the actions of the oblique arytenoid
Sphincter of the laryngeal inlet
42
Describe the action of the transverse arytenoid
Closes the posterior part of the rima glottidis