Pharynx & Larynx

Question 1

What are the 3 areas of the pharynx?

Answer 1

Nasopharynx

• posterior to nasal cavity
• superior to soft palate

Oropharynx

• posterior to oral cavity
• superior to epiglottis

Laryngopharynx

• posterior to larynx
• inferior to epiglottis

Question 2

What is the pharynx?

Answer 2

A passage posterior to the nasal and oral cavities and larynx

connects oral and nasal cavities to the larynx and oesophagus

has both respiratory and digestive functions (via trachea and oesophagus)

Question 3

Describe the 3 tonsils in the pharynx

Answer 3

Pharyngeal (adenoids)

• roof and walls of nasal pharynx
• most superior

Tubal

• between pharyngeal and palatine
• near pharyngeal orifice of pharyngotympanic tube

Palatine

• most inferior
• between palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches

Question 4

What is the larynx?

Answer 4

• an organ comprised of 9 cartilages
• makes up the superior trachea
• contains the vocal cords
• level C3-6

Question 5

What are the 3 parts of the larynx?

Answer 5

Vestibule

• entrance
• superior to vestibular folds

Ventricle

• mid part
• between vestibular folds and vocal folds

Infraglottic cavity
- between vocal folds and cricoid cartilage

Question 6

What are the superior and inferior borders of the larynx?

Answer 6

Superior border - epiglottis and hyoid bone

Inferior border - trachea (larynx encompasses superior trachea)

Question 7

What are the 3 main cartilages of the larynx?

Answer 7

Epiglottic:

• superior border of larynx
• at root of tongue and hyoid bone
• heart shaped
• acts as a ‘switch’ between the oesophagus and trachea

Thyroid:

• large shield like cartilage
• tracheal prominence (Adam’s apple)
• shields and protects vocal folds

Cricoid:

• inferioro to thyroid
• ring like
• thicker and stronger than thyroid
• encircles and protects trachea

Question 8

Briefly describe the anatomy and fun, and actions of the thyroid and parathyroid glands

Answer 8

Thyroid glands:

• 2 bilateral lobes connected by a narrow isthmus
• anterior to larynx and trachea, and inferior to thyroid cartilage
• deep to sternothyroid and sternohyoid muscles

functions:
- secrete thyroid hormones (role in metabolism)

Parathyroid glands:

• 4 tiny glands on posterior surface of thyroid glands
• secrete parathyroid hormones