The Larynx Flashcards
How can you orientate the larynx when looking at it transversely?
Apex of the rima glottidis is anterior.
What do the following nerves supply in terms of the larynx
- Superior laryngeal
- Recurrent laryngeal
Recurrent
- Sensory -> subglottis
- Motor -> intrinsic muscles not cricothyroid
Superior
- Internal -> supraglottis
- External -> cricothyroid
In terms of vocal cords, what occurs during a cough?
Powerful adduction leading to a build up of intrathoracic pressure followed by a sudden abduction.
How does cricothyoid lead to increased tension in the vocal cords?
Tilts the thyroid cartilage forward on the cricoid - increasing tension in the vocal cords
What leads to pulling down of the epiglottis?
Aryepiglottic muscle contraction -> narrows laryngeal inlet leading to the epiglottis being pulled down
What makes the laryngopharynx more patent durin swallowing?
Pharyngeal muscles and suprahyoid muscles pulling the larynx up and forward.
What supplies the mucosal glands in the larynx?
Autonomic carried via CN X
What artery is the recurrent laryngeal nerve in close relation to and when can it be injured?
Inferior thyroid artery
Thyroid surgery
What symptoms may be seen in unilateral vocal cord palsy?
Hoarseness of voice
Ineffective cough
What forms the false vocal cords?
The inferior margin of the quadrangular membrane (vestibular ligament)
What are the functions of their larynx?
Airway protection
Cough
Phonation
Ventilation
Why does a laryngeal cancer that only affects the glottis have a better a prognosis?
Minimal lymphatic drainage
- Supraglottis - neck nodes
- Infraglottis - paratracheal nodes
