Upper Airway Flashcards
What is the innervation of the gag reflex?
Afferent = CN9
Efferent = CN 10
What is the nerve supply of the pharynx?
MOTOR: Pharyngeal branch of CN 10, Stylopharyngeus = CN 9
SENSORY: Naso = pharyngeal branch of maxillary nerve, Oro = CN 9, Laryngo = internal laryngeal branch of CN 10
What is the primary function of the larynx?
Phonation
What is the internal structure of the larynx?
- Vestibule: Epiglottis, piriform fossae, vallecula
- Ventricle: Superior to vocal cords,
- Infraglottic cavity: Area between vocal folds & cricoid ring
What are the 2 important ligaments in the larynx?
- Thyrohyoid: Connects thyroid cartilage with hyoid bone
-Cricothyroid: Connects cricoid & thyroid cartilages. Used in front of neck access
What are the cartilages that form the larynx skeleton?
- Thyroid
- Cricoid
- Epiglottis
- Cuneiforms x2
- Arytenoids x2
- Corniculates x2
What nerve supplies all intrinsic laryngeal muscles?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
What is the path of the recurrent laryngeal nerve?
Loops around right subclavian artery & arch of aorta
When is the recurrent laryngeal nerve vulnerable?
Operations such as thyroidectomy, carotid endartectomy, anterior triangle of the neck operations
What are the Sx of a recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy?
Hoarse voice
Weak cough
BILATERAL: Airway obstruction due to inability to abduct cords
Which nasal turbinate is the largest?
Inferior
Which nerves supply somatic sensation to the nasal cavity?
CN V1 & V2
What makes the laryngopharynx vulnerable?
Lack of serosal layer
What is the role on the intrinsic & extrinsic muscles of the tongue?
INTRINSIC: Change shape of tongue
EXTRINSIC: Movement
What supplies taste to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue
Chorda Tympani (CN 7)
