Session 6 - Thyroid Gland

Question 1

What’s the function of the extrinsic laryngeal muscles (sternothyroid, thyrohyoid etc.)?
(3 Things)

Answer 1

Move the larynx up and down the neck
Support its central position
Important for swallowing

Question 2

Where may you create an emergency airway?

Answer 2

Between the thyroid and cricoid cartilage, through the cricothyroid membrane

Question 3

Why does the thyroid gland have such a good blood supply?

Answer 3

Iodine is present in very low concentration in the blood so the gland needs a high blood flow to ensure adequate delivery of iodine

Question 4

Which stricture may be compressed by and enlarged thyroid gland?

Answer 4

Trachea

Question 5

What is the location of the parathyroid glands and how many are there?

Answer 5

Positioned on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland

4

Question 6

What is the only complete cartilage ring around the airway?

Answer 6

The cricoid cartilage

Question 7

A patient may develop hypocalcaemia after thyroid surgery, why?

Answer 7

Parathyroid glands may be removed during surgery
Don’t have PTH which acts to increase calcium
Cause sudden (acute) hypoparathyroidism