Larynx Flashcards
Give 4 Functions of the Larynx
1) Sphincter for lower respiratory tract
2) Respiration
3) Mechanism for producing sound (phonation)
4) Swallowing Effort closure
Describe the stucture of the larynx
Hollow musculoligamentous structure with a cartilage framework that caps the lower respiratory tract
HIGHLY mobile!!
What is found above and below the larynx?
ABOVE: Superior laryngeal aperture opens into the laryngopharynx (just inferior to the tongue)
BELOW: Continuous with the trachea.


What is the motor and sensory innervation to the larynx?
CN X
What are the names of the 3 large unpaired cartilages of the larynx?
Cricoid, Thyroid and Epiglottis
What are the names of the 3 pairs of smaller cartilages of the larynx?
Arytenoid, Corniculate and Cuneiform
How are all of the cartilages connected?
By fibroelastic membrane and numerous intrinsic muscles
What is the anatomical name for the ‘adams apple’ and where is it located?
Laryngeal prominence located on the thyroid cartilage
What is the largest cartilage and describe its shape
Thyroid cartilage
Shield shaped, comprising two lamina. Has superior and inferior thyroid horns (hyoid and cricoid respectively)

What structure is ‘leaf shape’ and how it it attached to the thyroid cartilage?
Epiglottis- attached posteriorly to thyroid cartilage by thyroepiglottic ligament

What is the most inferior cartilage?
Describe its shape and the the purpose of its 2 articular facets on each side
Cricoid Cartilage
Signet ring shape and completely encircles the airway
Articular facets on each side with a:
- Superolateral surface for arytenoid cartilage
- Lateral surface for the medial surface of inferior horn of thyroid cartilage

What structure is indicated by the arrow?
State the function of this

Arytenoid Cartilage- pyramid shaped and contains a concave base articulating with cricoid
Involved in vocal cord movement
What 2 processes does Arytenoid cartilage contain and state their function
Label these on the image below

Vocal process: points forwards, for vocal cord attachment
Muscular process: points back and sideways, for attachment of intrinsic muscles… allows movement of the arytenoid depending on movement we want

What type of joints are the Arytenoid Cartilage
What is the clinical implication of this on RA patients
These are synovial joints and thus can be affect by RA, patient may present with voice problems
What are the mucosal depressions on either side of the larynx?
Piriform Recess (Fossa)

What is the function of the Piriform Recess?
Channels solids/liquids through the piriform fossae into oesophagus
During swallowing, how is the laryngeal inlet closed?
larynx moves up and forward → epiglottis swings downward toward arytenoid cartilages → closes the laryngeal inlet
What does the up and forward movement of the larynx cause during swallowing?
OPENING of the oesophagus, which is attached to the posterior aspect of the cricoid cartilage
What is indicated by the arrows?

Piriform Recess (Fossa)
Compare our ‘true’ vs ‘false’ vocal cords and label them on the image below

True → consist of vocal ligaments and elastic membrane that sits between ligaments and cricoid cartilage. Responsible for phonation
False → NOT responsible for sound and are located superior and lateral to the true cords (called the “Vestibular folds”)

Label the true vs false vocal cords AND the regions located above and below

Above: vestibule
Below: infraglottic space

The true vocal cords are oftens called the what?
The glottis
What are the 2 major blood supplies to the larynx? (incl what these are a branch of and structures it passes through)
Superior laryngeal arteries:
- Branch of the superior thyroid artery (first branch of ECA).
- Passes through a hole in the thyrohyoid membrane to supply the inside of the larynx
Inferior laryngeal arteries:
- Branch of the Inferior thyroid artery (from the thryocervical trunk)
















