THYROID, PARATHYROID, PAROTID Flashcards
how much does a normal healthy thyroid gland generally weigh?
~ 30gm
name the three anatomical landmarks of the thyroid gland
- right lobe
- isthmus
- left lobe
how many glands compose the parotid glands?
4
what nerves are continguous with the thyroid gland?
RLNs
what airway structure is contiguous with the thyroid?
trachea
how does malignancy of the thyroid affect the RLNs?
increases risk of injury of loss of nerves
how can thyroid disease affect the trachea?
can deviate and/or compress the trachea
how does stimulation of the vagus nerve affect heart rate and blood pressure?
heart rate and blood pressure decrease
where does the vagus nerve originate from?
medulla oblongata
which branch of the vagus nerve gives rise to the RLN that hooks around the subclavian artery, contributes to cardiac, pulmonary and esophageal plexuses, and forms the posterior vagal trunk?
the right branch of the vagus nerve
which branch of the vagus nerve gives rise to the RLN that hooks around the aorta, gives off thoracic cardiac branches, pulmonary and esophageal plexuses, and forms the anterior vagal trunk?
the left branch of the vagus nerve
the vagus nerve is protected in the neck by what anatomical feature?
the thyroid cartilage
what is the name of the nerve that serves the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and other intrinsic laryngeal muscles?
the recurrent laryngeal nerve
which intrinsic laryngeal muscle is the only primary vocal cord ABductor?
posterior cricoarytenoid muscle
what comorbidities of thyroid disease can affect mechanical integrity of the upper airway?
cartilaginous destruction
extrinsic compression
can occur in neck and/or mediastinum
what are the two major considerations of thyroid disease and surgery?
destructive effects of thyroid gland on mechanical integrity of the upper airway
injury to one or both recurrent laryngeal nerves