Throat Flashcards
Describe the borders of the anterior triangle
Midline
Mandible
SCM
Roof - Investing fascia
Floor - Visceral fascia
Name the four subdivisions of the anterior triangle
Carotid Triangle
Submental triangle
Submandibular triangle
Muscular triangle
What are the borders of the Carotid Triangle?
Medial border of SCM
Posterior belly of Diagastric
Superior border of Omohyoid
What are the contents of the Carotid Triangle?
Common Carotid (bifurcates within at C4)
IJV
Hypoglossal and Vagus
Baroreceptors
What is contained within the Submental triangle?
Submental lymph nodes
What is contained within the Submandibular triangle?
Submandibular salivary glands
Lymph nodes
Facial Artery and Veins
What is contained within the Muscular Triangle?
Infrahyoids
Pharynx
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Name the four Suprahyoid muscles
Stylohyoid
Digastric
Myelohyoid
Geniohyoid
Name the four infrahyoid muscles
Omohyoid
Sternohyoid
Thyrohyoid
Sternothyroid
What are the borders of the Posterior Triangle?
Posterior SCM
Anterior Trapezius
Clavicle
Roof - investing fascia
Floor - prevertebral fascia
Name three muscles in the Posterior Triangle
Omohyoid
Levator Scapulae
Scalenes
Name three vessels in the Posterior Triangle
EJV Superficially
Transverse Cervical
Suprascapular
Name the nerves in the Posterior Triangle
Accessory nerve
Cervical plexus
Trunks of Brachioplexus
Name three distinguishing features of the cervical spine
- Triangular Vertebral Foramen
- Bifid Spinous Process
- Transverse Foramina
(spinal nerves exit above level)
Name 6 ligaments of the Cervical Spine
Anterior Longitudinal Posterior Longitudinal Ligamentum Flavum Interspinous Nuchal ligament Transverse ligament of atlas
How is the Hyoid Bone damaged?
Strangulation
Name the three Deep Cervical Fascial Layers
Investing
Pre Tracheal
Pre Vertebral
Describe the investing layer of Deep Cervical Fascia
Most superficial, surrounding all structures in the neck
Splits around trapezius and SCM
Describe the pre-tracheal layer of Deep Cervical Fascia
Spans between Hyoid and Thorax and fuses with Pericardium
Muscular part - encloses infrahyoids
Visceral part - encloses thyroid, trachea, oesophagus
Posterior Visceral - buccopharyngeal
Describe the pre-vertebral layer of the Deep Cervical Fascia
Surrounds vertebral column/scalenes/prevertebral muscles
Anterolateral portion forms floor of the Posterior Triangle
What is the Pharynx?
Muscular tube connecting oronasal cavity to larynx and oesophagus
Begins at base of skull and descends to C6
Split into Nasopharynx, Oropharynx and Laryngopharynx
Describe the structure of the Nasopharynx
- Base of skull to the soft palate
- Lined with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells
- Contains Adenoids
Describe the structure of the Oropharynx
From soft palate to superior border of epiglottis
Contains posterior 1/3 tongue, lingual tonsils, palantine tonsils and superior constrictor muscles
Describe the structure of the Laryngopharynx
Between superior border of epiglottis and inferior border of cricoid
Contains Piriform Fossae and Middle/Inferior constrictors
The muscles of the Pharynx include Circular and Longitudinal. Describe the circular muscles
Superior, Middle and Inferior constrictors
Contract sequentially for Peristalsis
Inferior splits into two parts so if inferior part doesn’t relax - diverticulum
Innervated by Vagus
The muscles of the Pharynx include Circular and Longitudinal. Describe the longitudinal muscles
Stylopharyngeus, Palatopharyngeus, Salpingopharyngeus
Shorten and widen pharynx, and elevate larynx in swallowing
All Vagus innervation (except Stylopharyngeus - CNIX)
Describe the blood supply to the Pharynx
Branches of the ECA
Name the four roles of the Larynx
Phonation, Ventilation, Coughing, Protection of LRT
Describe the anatomy of the Larynx
Spans C3-C6
Covered anteriorly by infrahyoids
Anterior to Oesophagus
3 Subsections (Supra, Glottis, Infra)
Describe the blood supply to the Larynx
Superior Laryngeal (Branch of Superior Thyroid) Inferior Laryngeal (Branch of Inferior Thyroid)
Describe the innervation of the Larynx
RLN - Sensory to Infraglottis and Motor to all except Cricothyroid
Superior Laryngeal - Sensory to Supraglottis and Motor to Cricothyroid
Name the three unpaired cartilages of the Larynx
Thyroid Cartilage (Laryngeal Prominence)
Cricoid (complete ring)
Epiglottis
Why is the fact that the Cricoid is a complete ring relevant?
Pressure can be applied to occlude the oesophagus and prevent regurgitation of contents during Emergency Intubation
Name the three paired cartilages of the Larynx
Arytenoid
Corniculate
Cuneiform
There are extrinsic and intrinsic Laryngeal ligaments. Name the two main intrinsic ligaments
Cricothyroid (upper margin is free edge - vocal ligament)
Quadrangular (lower margin is thickened to become vestibular)
Describe the histology of vocal cords
Stratified Squamous Epithelium
Reinke’s Space (Watery GAG layer vibrates to make sound)
Vocal Ligament
Vocal Muscle
Relatively avascular
What is the Vestibular Ligament?
AKA False Vocal Cord
Lies above true vocal cord
What is the role of the extrinsic laryngeal muscles?
Suprahyoids - laryngeal elevation
Infrahyoids - laryngeal depression
What do the intrinsic muscles of the larynx do (except Cricothyroid)?
Control Rima Glottidis, and length/tension of vocal cords
Innervated by inferior laryngeal nerve (from RLN)
What does the Cricothyroid Muscle do?
Stretches and tenses vocal ligament
Innervated by External Branch of Superior Laryngeal
Why is the Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle so important?
It is the sole Abductor of the larynx/vocal cords, allowing breathing
Describe the anatomical relations of the Thyroid Gland
Anterior - Infrahyoids
Lateral - Carotid Sheath
Medially - larynx/pharynx/RLN/External branch
Describe the blood supply of the Thyroid Gland
- Superior Thyroid (first branch of ECA)
- Inferior Thyroid (From thyrocervical trunk - branch of subclavian)
- 10% have additional Thyroid IMA artery from Braciocephalic trunk
Describe the venous drainage of the Thyroid Gland
Superior Middle and Inferior Thyroid Veins form a plexus
Superior and Middle drain into IJV and Inferior drains into braciocephalic
Describe the lymphatic drainage of the Thyroid Gland
Paratracheal
Deep cervical
What are the Parathyroid Glands?
Located on posterior aspect of thyroid gland (between 2 and 6 in number)
Superior from fourth pharyngeal arch
Inferior from third pharyngeal arch
What is the Cervical Plexus?
Anterior Rami of C1-C4
Clinically relevant for sensory nerve block at Erb’s Point (middle of posterior SCM)
Name the four tonsils in Waldeyer’s Ring
Lingual
Palantine
Tubal
Adenoid
Describe the pathway of the Carotid Arteries
Right - Braciocephalic
Left - Aortic Arch
Ascend until C4 where they split in Carotid Triangle
External branches - Superior Thyroid, Ascending Pharyngeal, Lingual, Facial, Occipital, Posterior Auricular, Maxillary, Superficial Temporal
Describe the anatomy of the Thyrocervical Trunk
Branch of the Subclavian Artery
Inferior Thyroid, Ascending Cervical, Transverse Cervical, Suprascapular Artery
Retropharyngeal Abscesses are often seen in young children, describe the aetiology
URTI causes adenitis in retropharyngeal nodes with then causes an abscess
Normally polymicrobial (S.Aureus, H.Parainfluenza)
How do Retropharyngeal Abscesses present?
Severe sore throat Dysphagia Trismus Stridor Neck stiffness and head tilted back
Give three differentials for a Retropharyngeal Abscess
Angio-oedema
Epiglottitis
Foreign Body
Name four investigations for Retropharyngeal Abscess
Bloods (WCC and CRP very high)
- Blood Cultures (often negative)
- Pus Culture (after drainage)
- Lateral Neck Xray (prevertebral soft tissue swelling and widening of retropharyngeal space)
If above is not diagnostic - CT with IV Contrast
What would a CT of Retropharyngeal Abscess show?
Hypodense lesion in retropharyngeal space with peripheral ring enhancement
How would you manage a Retropharyngeal Abscess?
?Surgical Airway
IV Fluids
Per Oral drainage under anaesthetic
IV Co-Amoxiclav
Name three complications of Retropharyngeal Abscesses
Airway Obstruction
Mediastinitis
Pericarditis
Parapharyngeal Abscesses are the second most common (after Peritonsillar). Where is the Parapharyngeal Space?
Lateral to superior pharyngeal constrictor and medial to pterygoids
How does a Parapharyngeal Abscess present?
Fever
Sore Throat
Neck Swelling
Anterior - Lock jaw and hard mass along mandible
Posterior - minimal lock jaw but can involve carotid sheath (rigors, high fever, carotid rupture)
How are Parapharyngeal Abscesses investigated?
CT
FNE
How are Parapharyngeal Abscesses managed?
IV Co-Amoxiclav Surgical Drainage (usually through submaxillary fossa)
This may have to be repeated if reaccumulations
What is Ludwig’s Angina?
Bilateral aggressive cellulitis involving the sub mandibular space. Rapidly spreading and normally without abscess formation
What is the cause of Ludwig’s Angina?
Usually dental infections
Oral Ulcerations
Malignancy
Penetrating Injuries
How does Ludwig’s Angina present?
Swelling on the floor of mouth Painful mouth Protruding tongue Airway compromise Drooling
How is Ludwig’s Angina investigated?
CT Neck
Orthopanomogram (wide view XRay of lower face)
Culture
How is Ludwig’s Angina managed?
Airway management (upright with O2 supplementation - unless surgery where nasal intubation is required)
IV Benzylpenicillin and IV Metronidazole
Surgical debridement if failing to respond to abx within 24h or if severe
Name three investigations for Hoarse Voice
Flexible Nasal Endoscopy
Microlaryngobronchoscopy (similar to FNE but under GA)
Stroboscopy (synchronised flashing lights makes vocal cord movement appear slower)
Name 5 benign causes of Hoarse Voice
Vocal Cord Nodules Muscle Tension Dysphonia Vocal Cord Polyps Larygneal Papilloma Reinke's Oedema
What are Vocal Cord Nodules?
Commonly secondary to Phonotrauma
Frequently bilateral
Breathy and Husky with low pitch
Managed by SALT team, rarely requires microlaryngoscopic surgery
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
Often caused by stress/anxiety
Hoarse voice towards EOD or after extended use
Confirmed by Stroboscopy
Managed by SALT
What are Vocal Cord Polyps?
Caused by acute injury/GORD/smoke inhalation
Typically benign but unilateral so requires excision to rule out malignancy
What is a Laryngeal Papilloma?
Benign lesion of the larynx, commonly caused by HPV6 and HPV11
Confirmed by histology
Requires excision as they can cause airway obstruction
What is Reinke’s Oedema?
Oedema of vocal cords strongly linked to female smokers
Managed by smoking cessation and voice therapy
Name two infective causes of Hoarse Voice
Larygnitis
Epiglottitis
What is Laryngitis?
- Inflammation of the vocal cords, normally following ——–Respiratory Tract Infection
- May be associated with pain
- Normal clinical assessment
- FNE - inflamed larynx with dilated vessels
- Self limiting