Airway Obstruction and Laryngeal Reflex Anatomy

What is the primary reason why the tongue can cause airway obstruction?

Which maneuver effectively addresses airway obstruction caused by the tongue?

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the larynx?

Which single cartilage of the larynx acts as a flap over the trachea to prevent food from entering?

Which of the following is a paired laryngeal cartilage?

What type of nerves transmit sensory information during the pharyngeal reflex?

The Medulla Oblongata, which is involved in the gag reflex is close to which other control centers?

Which structure listed, is NOT found in the larynx?

Airway Obstruction

Tongue is a major cause of airway obstruction, especially during sedation or unconsciousness.
The tongue's connection to the mandible makes a jaw thrust an effective treatment.
Pharyngeal reflex (gag reflex) is triggered by foreign objects entering the back of the tongue.
Sensory nerves (vagus and glossopharyngeal) send messages to the medulla oblongata.
This reflex center is near vomiting, saliva, and cardiac centers, which may be stimulated during gagging.

Laryngeal Reflex

This reflex prevents objects from entering the trachea by closing the vocal cords.
Sensory nerves (superior laryngeal nerve) detect foreign objects on the mucosa and send a message to the brain stem's medulla.
The medulla sends a message down the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
The recurrent laryngeal nerve contracts the thyroarytenoid muscles, closing the vocal cords.

Larynx Anatomy

Important for protecting vocal cords, facilitating speech/sound, and coughing.
The larynx includes nine cartilages, three paired and three unpaired.
The unpaired cartilages are the epiglottis (flap over trachea), thyroid (largest--Adam's apple), and cricoid (signet ring shape).
Arytenoid cartilages control vocal cord movement.
Corniculate and cuneiform cartilages play a role in vocal cord tension.

Bronchus Anatomy

The bronchus angle is important for the placement of an endotracheal tube.
The right bronchus is angled more anteriorly (towards the chest), while the left is more posterior (towards the back).

Explore the critical concepts of airway obstruction and laryngeal reflexes in this quiz. Understand the role of the tongue and the intricate anatomy of the larynx in protecting the airway. Test your knowledge on sensory nerves and reflex actions related to airway management.