Surface anatomy of the upper airway and digestive tract Flashcards
Locate the thyroid cartilage.
By sight + palpation identify the laryngeal prominence (thyroid cartilage) on the patient’s neck.
Explore by gentle palpation the other parts of the thyroid cartilage: the notch in the superior border, and the2 laminae.
Locate the cricoid cartilage.
Follow the anterior border of the thyroid cartilage (laryngeal prominence) down until you feel a depression due to the cricothyroid membrane + the convex anterior part of the cricoid cartilage below it.
(vertebral level C6)
Locate the hyoid bone.
Hyoid bone lies above the thyroid cartilage (laryngeal prominence) + is connected to it by the thyrohyoid membrane.
Gently palpate the body anteriorly, + horns laterally.
(vertebral level C3)
Locate the cervical part of the trachea.
Below the cricoid cartilage (in the interval bounded by the sternomastoids + the jugular notch of the manubrium) the 1st 2 rings of the trachea can be felt.
Locate the thyroid isthmus.
Directly below the cricoid cartilage, centrally.
Infront of the 1st 2 rings of the trachea.
Demonstrate the position of the mastoid air cells.
In the mastoid process, behind the external ear (part of the middle ear).
Stop at the mastoid antrum.
“bump” behind ear
Demonstrate the anatomical basis of tracheostomy and cricothyroidotomy.
Tracheostomy = formation of hole in trachea, between 2nd + 3rd tracheal cartilage rings. Tube inserted to assist ventilation. Needs full anaesthetic.
Cricothyroidectomy= hole in cricothyroid membrane (between thyroid + cricoid cartilage). Allows air passage in an emergency- no anaestetic needed + fewer complications. Temporary until the patient can undergo a tracheostomy in theatre or other ventilation.
What is shown by the arrow?
Cone of light
How should you use an otoscope?
Straighten ear canal by gently pulling pinna up + back (down for children).
Hold otoscope like a pen + rest little finger on the patient’s cheek to prevent trauma to the ear.
Observe condition of tympanic membrane + ear canal by rotating otoscope.
Demonstrate the positions of the paranasal sinuses
Superior to nose = frontal sinus
Ethmoidal sinus
Sphenoid sinus (posterior to ethmoidal)
Maxillary sinus either side of nose (on cheeks)
What is shown by the arrow?
Manubrium of malleus
What is shown by the arrow?
Short process of malleus
What is shown by the arrow?
Anterior mallear fold
What is shown by the arrow?
Pars flaccida
What is shown by the arrow?
Posterior mallear fold
What is shown by the arrow?
Incus
What is shown by the arrow?
Umbo
What is shown by the arrow?
Pars tensa
What is shown by the arrow?
Annulus
