Larynx and Laryngopharynx Flashcards
Describe the nerves that innervate the larynx
The superior laryngeal becomes the internal and external laryngeal to supply from above while the recurrent laryngeal supplies from below.
They are all branches of the vagus
What is the clinical implication of the position of the laryngeal vessels?
The inferior thyroid vein sits on top of the trachea making inserting an emergency airway difficulty therefore the cricothyroid membrane should be used instead
Does fluid travel through the laryngopharynx in the same manner as food?
No, it travels lateral to the epiglottis, over the aryepiglottic folds as it isn’t heavy enough to depress the epiglottis
Where is the origin of the epiglottis?
Posterior aspect of the angle of the thyroid cartilage
What position must the vocal ligament be in for breathing to occur?
Abduction
Which muscles is important for adduction of the vocal folds?
Lateral cricoarytenoid
What happens the voice when the recurrent laryngeal nerve is damaged?
Hoarse voice and stridor
How does the epiglottis connect to the tongue?
It hangs off the back of the tongue
Describe the course of a food bolus during swallowing
The bolus passing through the oropharynx and pushes down the epiglottis > travels down the oesophagus
T/F Mechanical closure of the epiglottis is sufficient to seal the entrance to the larynx?
False, the thyroid cartilage also lifts
Does the arytenoid cartilage sit on the thyroid or cricoid cartilage?
Cricoid
What are the implications of the swivel of the arytenoid cartilage?
Allows movement of the vocal ligaments
What are the three major structures in the laryngeal skeleton?
The hyoid bone
The thyroid cartilage
Cricoid cartilage
What position must the vocal ligament be in to produce sound?
Adduction
Which muscles does the inferior laryngeal nerve supply?
All intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid
Which muscles move the vocal fold?
The intrinsic muscles of the larynx
In what order are the hyoid bone, cricoid cartilage and thyroid cartilage arranged from top to bottom?
Hyoid
Thyroid
Cricoid
Which nerve supplies sensory innervation to the mucosa of the larynx?
Internal laryngeal
What are the boarders of the larynx?
The epiglottis and the C6/the lower boarder of the cricoid cartilage
Why does the voice sound hoarse when the inferior laryngeal nerve is damaged?
Vocal ligaments can’t fully adduct > therefore have to push more air across them > hoarse voice
Which nerve does motor innervation for the pharynx?
CNX
Except Stylopharyngeus (CNIX)
Which aspect is the thyroid cartilage open?
Posteriorly
What are the membranes that lie in the larngeal skeleton called?
Thyrohyoid membrane
Cricothyroid membrane
Which muscles is important for abduction of the vocal ligaments?
Posterior cricoarytenoid
What colour is the vocal fold?
White
Which structures must be traversed when attempting to intubate a patient?
The teeth > tongue > under the epiglottis > through the vocal ligaments
What provides sensory innervation to the pharynx?
The glossopharyngeal nerve
What are the two folded ligaments in the larynx called?
The vestibular fold (false vocal cord)
The vocal fold (true vocal cord)
What are the major vessels around the larynx?
Superior laryngeal vessels and inferior thyroid vein
Upon what axis does the arytenoid cartilage move?
It swivels posteriorly
How is sound produced by the vocal ligaments?
Air is pushed over the vocal folds causing vibration > sound
What attaches to the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage?
Muscles of the larynx
