THE LARYNX Flashcards
the larynx is a complex organ of
voice production
it is composed of
9 cartilage connected by membranes and ligaments
larynx contains
vocal cords/folds
Located anteriorly in the neck
TRUE
vertebral level
C3-C6
Connects the inferior part of the oropharynx to
the trachea
Lies anterior to the
laryngopharynx
The secondary function is to
guard the air passages
3 unpaired cartilages
- thyroid
- cricoid
- epiglottic
3 paired cartilage
- arytenoid
- corniculate
- cuneiform
- thyroid cartilage
Is the largest of the cartilages
o Its superior border lies opposite the C4 vertebra.
The inferior two-thirds of its two plate-like laminae fuse
anteriorly in the median plane to form the
laryngeal prominence/ adam s apple
Superior horns attach to the hyoid by the
thyrohyoid membrane
Inferior horns articulate with the lateral surfaces of the
cricoid cartilage at the
cricothyroid joints
consists of which cartilage
hyaline cartilage
The main movements at these joints are
rotation and
the gliding of the thyroid cartilage, which results in changes in
the length of the vocal folds.
cricoid cartilage
consisting of a broadsheet posteriorly and a much narrower arch anteriorly (said to resemble a signet ring in shape).
The cartilage completely encircles the airway, marking the inferior border of the larynx at the level of
C6
It articulates with the paired arytenoid cartilages posteriorly, as well as providing an attachment for the inferior horns of the thyroid cartilage.
true
The cricoid is the only complete circle of cartilage in the larynx or trachea. This is of clinical relevance during emergency intubation – as the pressure can be applied to the cricoid to occlude the esophagus, and thus prevent regurgitation of gastric contents (known as cricoid pressure or Sellick’s maneuver).
true
It attaches to the inferior margin of the thyroid cartilage
by the
median cricothyroid ligament
and attaches to the first ring of the thyroid cartilage by
cricotracheal ligament
- epiglottic cartilage
Leaf-shaped,
consisting of elastic cartilage à
gives flexibility to the epiglottis,
a heart-shaped cartilage
covered with mucous membrane
o Situated posterior to the root of the tongue and the
hyoid and anterior to the laryngeal inlet
o Its broad superior end is free.
o Inferior end, the stalk of the epiglottis, is attached to
the thyroid laminae by the thyroid-epiglottic ligament
During swallowing, the epiglottis flattens and moves posteriorly to close off the larynx and prevent aspiration.
A. arytenoid cartilages
The arytenoid cartilages are pyramidal-shaped structures that sit on the cricoid cartilage. They consist of an apex, base, three sides, and two processes
Sits on cricoid like a hat, forming
crico-arytenoid joints à permit the arytenoid cartilages to slide
toward or away from one to another, to tilt anteriorly and posteriorly, and to rotate (critical movements
for vocal cords
provides an attachment point for various key structures in the larynx:
Apex – articulates with the corniculate cartilage.
Base – articulates with the superior border of the cricoid cartilage.
Vocal process – provides attachment for the vocal ligament.
Muscular process – provides attachment for the posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles.
B. corniculate cartilage
The corniculate cartilages are minor cartilaginous structures. They articulate with the apices of the arytenoid cartilages.
C. cuneiform cartilage
The cuneiform cartilages are located within the aryepiglottic folds. They have no direct attachment but act to strengthen the folds.
corniculate and cuneiform
Appear as small nodules in the posterior part of the aryepiglottic folds.
o The corniculate cartilages attached to the apices of the arytenoid cartilages
o The cuneiform cartilages do not directly attach to other cartilages.
o Medial bump à corniculate
o Lateral bump à cuneiform
