Neck Flashcards
pharynx
fibromuscular tube that extends from base of the skull to the upper esophageal sphincter (UES)
fibromuscular walls of pharynx formed by what muscles
3 pairs of constrictor muscles: superior, middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictors
upper esophageal sphincter
- formed by lower part of inferior constrictor muscle of pharynx
- prevents reflux of food into airway and prevents air from entering digestive tract
divisions of pharynx
- nasopharynx
- oropharynx
- laryngopharynx
pharynx in relation to larynx
the pharynx is situated posterior to, and communicates with nasal cavities, oral cavity and larynx
the nasopharynx
- communicates with nasal cavities anteriorly by choanae (posterior nasal apertures)
- openings to eustachian tubes located on lateral walls of nasopharyns
- roof of nasopharynx = collection of lymphatic tissues called the pharyngeal tonsil
- inferiorly, the nasopharynx communicates with the oropharynx by the pharyngeal isthmus (can be closed by elevation of the soft palate during swallowing)
the oropharynx
- communicated anteriorly with oral cavity through the oropharyngeal isthmus
- each side of the oropharynx consists of 2 folds of mucous membranes supported by underlying muscles: anterior palatoglossal arch and posterior palatoglossal arch
palatine tonsil
- collection of lymphatic tissue located between the folds on either side
- its medial surface projects into oropharynx and its lateral surface lies against the superior constrictor muscle
the laryngopharynx
- extends from oropharynx to esophagus
- laryngeal inlet opens into the anterior wall of the laryngopharynx
- cavity of laryngopharynx extends anteriorly on each side of the laryngeal inlet forming 2 recesses called the piriform recesses (fossae)
piriform recesses
form channels that direct food from oral cavity to either side of the raised laryngeal inlet, towards the esophagus
vestibular and vocal ligaments of the layrnx
both ligaments enclosed by respective folds (the vestibular fold/false vocal fold, and the vocal fold/true vocal fold)
cricothyroid ligament
originates from upper border of cricoid cartilage and extends superiorly where its free upper margin forms the vocal ligament (true vocal cord)
arytenoid cartilage
- located at back of larynx
- primary function is to close vocal folds when swallowing
- secondary function is to change tension of vocal cords for production of sound
intrinsic muscles of larynx
- control shape of the rima glottidis, and the length and tension of vocal ligaments during breathing, swallowing and phonation
- thyroarytenoid
- cricothyroid
thyroartyenoid
- originates from inferoposterior aspect of the thyroid cartilage
- inserts on anterolateral part of arytenoid cartilage
- acts to relax vocal ligament, producing softer voice
- motor innervation from the recurrent laryngeal nerve (a branch of the vagus nerve)
cricothyroid
- originates from anterolateral aspect of cricoid cartilage attaching to inferior margin of thyroid cartilage
- cricothyroid muscle stretches and tenses the vocal ligaments for production of loud speech and different tones of voice
- motor innervation of external laryngeal nerve, branch of superior laryngeal nerve
thyroid gland
- thyroid gland found deep to musculature of neck
- consists of right and left lateral lobes with an isthmus that connects the lateral lobes and sits on anterior surface of trachea, just inferior to larynx
arterial supply of thyroid gland
thyroid gland supplied by superior thyroid artery (branch of the external carotid artery) and the inferior thyroid artery (branch of the thyrocervical trunk which arises from the subclavian artery)
venous drainage of the thyroid gland
- thyroid drained by paired superior, middle and inferior thyroid veins which form a venous plexus on the anterior surface of the thyroid gland and descends anterior to the trachea
- superior and middle thyroid veins drain into internal jugular vein
- inferior thyroid vein drains into brachiocephalic vein
- inferior thyroid veins may be source of bleeding during tracheostomy
innervation of thyroid gland
- regulated by ANS (both parasympathetic and sympathetic)
- vagus nerve: parasympathetic fibres arise from superior laryngeal nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (both branches of vagus nerve)
- sympathetic trunk: fibres arise from superior, middle and inferior cervical ganglia of the sympathetic trunk
superficial muscles of the neck
- located closest to skin
- allow for gross and fine motor movements of head, face and neck
- sternocleidomastoid
- platysma
sternocleidomastoid
- originates inferiorly on manubrium of the sternum and medial end of clavicle
- inserts superiorly on mastoid process
- 2 muscles together flex the head and neck while individually will tilt head toward the shoulder on the same side rotating the head to turn the fave to the opposite side
- innervated by accessory nerve
platysma
- located in subcutaneous tissue (superficial fascia)
- runs from upper 2 ribs to lower margin of mandible
- when it contracts, tenses skin of neck and is responsible for facial expression
- much of anterior neck is covered by 2 platysma muscles