S10) Functional Anatomy and Disorders of the Larynx Flashcards
What is the larynx?
The larynx is a ‘tube’ created by series of ligaments/membranes, cartilages and muscles

Describe the anatomical location of the larynx
The larynx lies below the hyoid bone:
- Begins at laryngeal inlet (aditus)
- Continues as the trachea (lower border of cricoid cartilage)
Describe the respective routes of inspired air and food into the body
- Inspired air: nasal cavity → nasopharynx → oropharynx → larynx → trachea
- Food: oral cavity → oropharynx → laryngopharynx → oesophagus
What is the main function of the larynx?
The main function of larynx is to provide a protective sphincter for the lower respiratory tract

Besides acting as a sphincter, state some other functions of the larynx
- Allows movement of air into/out of the lungs (ventilation)
- Allows us to cough
- Production of sound (phonation)
Identify and describe the three zones in the larynx
- Supraglottis (/vestibule): above the false vocal cords
- Glottis: between false and true vocal cords
- Subglottis: between true vocal cords and first tracheal ring

Identify the three single cartilages forming the framework of the larynx
- Thyroid
- Cricoid
- Epiglottis

Identify the three paired cartilages forming the framework of the larynx
- Arytenoid cartilages
- Corniculate cartilage
- Cuneiform cartilage

Numerous membranes/ligaments connect to the cartilages to help shape the larynx.
Identify them
- Thyrohyoid membrane (superior attachment of larynx)
- Cricothyroid membrane (inferior attachment of larynx)
- Cricotracheal membrane
- Quandrangular membrane

Label the following structures in the diagram below:


Describe the attachments of the epiglottis
- The epiglottis is attached anteriorly to the body of the hyoid and posteriorly to the back of the thyroid cartilage
- The sides are attached to the arytenoid cartilages by epiglottic folds which run backwards

What are the aryepiglottic folds and where are they found?
- The aryepiglottic folds are triangular folds of mucous membrane enclosing ligamentous and muscular fibres
- They are located at the entrance of the larynx, extending from the lateral borders of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages, forming the aditus of the larynx

Describe the structure of the thyroid cartilage
The thyroid cartilage is shield-like, composed of two lateral plates meeting in the midline as prominent V – the laryngeal prominence (aka Adam’s apple)

Describe the structure of the cricoid cartilage
The cricoid cartilage is a signet-shaped ring and the only complete ring of cartilage throughout the respiratory tract

Describe the formation of the vestibular and vocal ligaments respectively
- Vestibular ligament is formed from the free lower border of quadrangular membrane (false vocal cords)
- Vocal ligament is formed from the upper free border of cricothyroid ligament-thickened edge (true vocal cords)

What is the rima glottidis?
The rima glottidis is the opening between the true vocal cords and the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx

Describe the anatomical relationship of the larynx and laryngopharynx
The larynx lies anterior to the laryngopharynx

Mucosal folds internally divide larynx into three regions.
Identify them and their respective contents

What is the ventricle and what does it do?
- The ventricle is a small recess found between the vestibular and vocal folds, which leads superolaterally into the saccule (sinus)
- It contains mucous glands that keep vocal folds moist
The larynx is lined with a mucous membrane.
What type of epithelium is found?
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
What kind of epithelium lines the true vocal cords?
Stratified squamous epithelium
In the following laryngoscopic view of the larynx, label the structures below:
- Root of tongue
- Epiglottis


In the following laryngoscopic view of the larynx, label the structures below:
- Aryepiglottic folds
- Vestibular fold
- Vocal fold


In the following laryngoscopic view of the larynx, label the structures below:
- Rima glottidis
- Arytenoid cartilages
- Piriform fossae
























































