Larynx Overview Flashcards
Where is the larynx located?
Between the oropharyngeal isthmus to trachea, extending vertically from tip of epiglottis to inferior boarder of cricoid cartilage
What 3 things form the larynx?
- Cartilages
- Fibro-elastic membrane
- Intrinsic muscles
How many cartilages can be found in the larynx?
6
Name the 3 single cartilages of the larynx
- Thyroid
- Cricoid
- Epiglottis
Name the 3 pairs cartilages of the larynx
- Arytenoid
- Corniculate
- Cuneiform
Describe 2 major features of the thyroid cartilage
- Contains a superior and inferior cornua
2. Has an oblique which is the site of muscle attachment
What is attached to the superior boarder of the thyroid?
Thyrohyoid ligament
What is attached to the inferior boarder of the thyroid?
Cricothyroid ligament
What is the correct term for Adam’s apple?
Laryngeal prominence
Describe the articulation of the thyroid cartilage with the cricoid cartilage
Bilateral
Where is the cricoid cartilage found?
Posterior aspect of the larynx
Describe the epiglottis
Leaf-like, elastic fibrocartilage
What connects the thyroid cartilage and epiglottis?
Thryroepiglottic ligament
What attaches the side of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages?
Aryepiglottic folds
What is epiglottitis?
Inflammation of the epiglottis
What are the 2 processes found on the arytenoid cartilage?
- Vocal process
2. Muscular process
What muscles attach to the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage?
Cricoarytenoid muscles
Describe 3 features of the corniculate cartilage
- Elastic fibrocartilage
- Synovial joint with arytenoid or fuse with its apex
- Situated in aryepiglottic fold
Describe 3 features of the cuneiform cartilage
- Elastic fibrocartilage
- Lateral to corniculate cartilage
- Situated in aryepiglottic fold
What are 3 membranes found in the larynx?
- Thyrohyoid
- Quadrangular membrane
- Cricothyroid membrane
What do the quadrangular and cricothyroid membranes form?
Fibro-elastic membranes of the larynx
Name 6 ligaments present in the larynx
- Hyoepiglottic ligament
- Cricotracheal ligament
- Thyrohyoid ligaments
- Vestibular ligament
- Vocal ligament
- Aryepiglottic ligament
Where is the thyrohyoid membrane found?
Between the superior margin of thyroid and hyoid
Name 2 things which pass through the aperture in the thyrohyoid membrane
- Superior laryngeal arteries
2. Internal laryngeal nerve
What does the posterior boarder of thyrohyoid membrane form?
Lateral thyrohyoid ligament
What does the midline of thyrohyoid membrane form?
Median thyrohyoid ligament
How are the thyrohyoid ligaments formed?
Thickenings of the thyrohyoid membrane
Where is the hyoepiglottic ligament found?
Midline of epiglottis to body of hyoid bone
Where is the cricotracheal ligament found?
Lower boarder of cricoid to the first tracheal cartilage
Where is the quadrangular membrane found?
Between epiglottis and arytenoid
What ligament is formed by the lower free margin of quadrangular membrane?
Vestibular ligament
What is another name for the vestibular ligament?
False vocal cord
What ligament is formed by upper boarder of quadrangular membrane?
Aryepiglottic ligament
Where is the lower margin of the cricothyroid membrane attached?
Upper boarder of cricoid cartilage
What ligament is formed by the upper free margin of the cricothyroid membrane?
Vocal ligament
What is another name for the vocal ligament?
True vocal cords
What is the anterior attachment of the vocal ligament?
Deep surface of thyroid cartilage
What is the posterior attachment of the vocal ligament?
Vocal process of arytenoid
What are the 3 major regions of the larynx?
- Vestibule
- Ventricle
- Infraglottic space
Where is the vestibule of the larynx found?
Between the laryngeal inlet and vestibular ligaments
Where is the ventricle of the larynx found?
Middle part of the laryngeal cavity between vestibular and vocal ligaments
Where is the infraglottic space of the larynx found?
Below the vocal ligaments
