Session 10: Anatomy and Disorders of the Larynx Flashcards
Where can the larynx be found?
Between the hyoid bone superiorly and the trachea inferiorly.
(C3/C4-C6)
Functions of the larynx.
Airway protection to prevent food, fluid and other foreign objects to enter the airway.
Ventilation
Cough reflex
Production of sound
What are the subdivisions of the larynx?
Supraglottis
Glottis
Subglottis
What are the main cartilages found in the larynx?
Thyroid cartilage
Arytenoid cartilage
Cricoid cartilage
Epiglottis
What is the thyroid cartilage attached to superiorly?
To the hyoid bone via the thyroid membrane.
What is the Thyroid cartilage attached to inferiorly?
To the cricoid cartilage via the cricothyroid membrane.
Clinical significance of the cricothyroid membrane.
It can be palpated anteriorly and in acute laryngel obstruction leading to being unable to breathe the cricothyroid membrane can be punctured in order to access into the infraglottic area and achieve temporary breathing.
What is found on the inferior margin of the quadrangular membrane?
The vestibular ligament.
What is found on the superior margin of the cricothyroid membrane?
The vocal ligament
What is the vestibular ligament?
A fixed ligament also called the false vocal cords
What is the vocal ligament?
A mobile ligament also called the true vocal cords.
Where does the supraglottis extend?
From the laryngeal vestibule to the false cords (includes them)
Where does the glottis extend?
Narrowest part and more or less only includes the true cords.
Where does the infraglottis/subglottis extend?
Below the true cords until trachea.
Purpose of the ventricle between the vestibular and vocal ligaments.
Leads laterally and upwards into the saccule and contains mucous glands that keep the true vocal cords moist.
What type of epithelium lines the larynx?
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.
There is an exception of the larynx that is not lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.
Which and what is it lined with?
True vocal cords lined with stratified squamous epithelium.
What is the epiglottis?
A leaf-shaped structure made of elastic cartilage that sits on top of the larynx.
Attachments of the epiglottis.
To the hyoid and to the back of the thyroid cartilage.
Laterally it is connected to the arytenoids by aryepiglottic folds.
What are the aryepiglottic folds shaped by?
The quadrangular membrane joins the sides of the epiglottis to the arytenoids giving the shape.
What does the epiglottis along with the aryepiglottic folds form?
The margins of the entrance (aditus) of the larynx.
Explain the shape of the thyroid cartilage.
A shield-like structure made of two lateral plates that meet in the midline and form the laryngeal prominence.
Explain the shape of the cricoid cartilage.
A signet-ring shaped structure that is the only complete ring of cartilage in the entire resp. tract.
What joints can be found in the larynx?
Cricothyroid joint
Cricoarytenoid joint
What is the space in the middle between the vocal cords called?
The rima glottidis.
Main functions of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles.
Open the glottis in inspiration by opening vocal cords and laryngeal inlet.
Close the laryngeal inlet and vocal cords during swallowing.
Phonation by altering the tone of the vocal cords.
Cough reflex
What is the collective action of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx?
There is one exception.
Adduction of the vocal cords.