The respiratory system - the larynx

Question 1

What is the larynx and where is it found?

Answer 1

The larynx (voice box) is an organ located in the anterior neck.

The larynx is located in the anterior compartment of the neck, suspended from the hyoid bone, and spanning between C3 and C6. It is continuous inferiorly with the trachea and opens superiorly into the laryngeal part of the pharynx.

Question 2

What are the 3 functions of the larynx?

Answer 2

• Phonation,
• The cough reflex
• protection of the lower respiratory tract

Question 3

Describe the structure of the larynx

Answer 3

The larynx is formed by a cartilaginous skeleton, which is held together by ligaments and membranes. The laryngeal muscles act to move the components of the larynx for phonation and breathing.

Question 4

Is the larynx posterior to the trachea?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

The internal cavity of the larynx can be divided into three sections, what are they?

What is the interior surface lined by?

Answer 5

• Supraglottis – From the inferior surface of the epiglottis to the vestibular folds (false vocal cords).
• Glottis – Contains vocal cords and 1cm below them. The opening between the vocal cords is known as rima glottidis, the size of which is altered by the muscles of phonation.
• Subglottis – From inferior border of the glottis to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage.
• The interior surface of the larynx is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. An important exception to this is the true vocal cords, which are lined by a stratified squamous epithelium.

Question 6

What is the purpose of the epiglottis and laryngeals inlet?

Answer 6

1. Prevents food from entering the trachea

2. Connect pharynx to the larynx

Question 7

Where can the larynx be located?

Answer 7

Adams apple (laryngeal prominence)

Question 8

What is unique about the hyoid bone?

Answer 8

Not attached to another bone - it floats

Question 9

What vertebral level does the hyoid bone lie?

Answer 9

C3