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Questions and Answers
Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the infraglottis and motor innervation to all the internal muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid?
Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the infraglottis and motor innervation to all the internal muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid?
What is the primary function of the larynx?
What is the primary function of the larynx?
Which muscle of the larynx is innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve?
Which muscle of the larynx is innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve?
Where is the larynx located?
Where is the larynx located?
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Which cartilage completely encircles the airway and marks the inferior border of the larynx at the level of C6?
Which cartilage completely encircles the airway and marks the inferior border of the larynx at the level of C6?
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What covers the larynx anteriorly?
What covers the larynx anteriorly?
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Which muscle is responsible for abducting the vocal folds?
Which muscle is responsible for abducting the vocal folds?
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What is the function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles?
What is the function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles?
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Which structure spans between the anterolateral arytenoid cartilage and the lateral aspect of the epiglottis?
Which structure spans between the anterolateral arytenoid cartilage and the lateral aspect of the epiglottis?
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What type of epithelium forms the superficial layer of the vocal folds?
What type of epithelium forms the superficial layer of the vocal folds?
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What is the primary function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles?
What is the primary function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles?
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Which muscle is responsible for adducting the arytenoid cartilages?
Which muscle is responsible for adducting the arytenoid cartilages?
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Which ligament connects the hyoid bone to the anterior aspect of the epiglottis?
Which ligament connects the hyoid bone to the anterior aspect of the epiglottis?
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Which structure provides extensive protection against foreign bodies that may enter the larynx?
Which structure provides extensive protection against foreign bodies that may enter the larynx?
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Which muscle is innervated by the inferior laryngeal nerve and abducts the vocal folds?
Which muscle is innervated by the inferior laryngeal nerve and abducts the vocal folds?
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Which muscle is responsible for abducting the vocal folds?
Which muscle is responsible for abducting the vocal folds?
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What is the primary function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles?
What is the primary function of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles?
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Which ligament connects the cricoid cartilage to the trachea?
Which ligament connects the cricoid cartilage to the trachea?
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Where is the vestibular folds (false vocal cords) located?
Where is the vestibular folds (false vocal cords) located?
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What type of epithelium forms the superficial layer of the vocal folds?
What type of epithelium forms the superficial layer of the vocal folds?
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Study Notes
Larynx Structure and Function
- The larynx, or voice box, is located in the anterior neck and is a component of the respiratory tract.
- It has three main functions: phonation, the cough reflex, and protection of the lower respiratory tract.
- The larynx is primarily cartilaginous, held together by ligaments and membranes.
- The laryngeal muscles move components of the larynx for phonation and breathing.
Anatomical Position and Relations
- The larynx is located in the anterior compartment of the neck, suspended from the hyoid bone, and spans between C3 and C6.
- It is continuous inferiorly with the trachea and opens superiorly into the laryngeal part of the pharynx.
- The larynx is covered anteriorly by the infrahyoid muscles and laterally by the lobes of the thyroid gland.
- It is closely related to the major blood vessels of the neck, which pass either side as they ascend up to the head.
Internal Cavity
- The internal cavity of the larynx can be divided into three sections: supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis.
- The supraglottis extends from the inferior surface of the epiglottis to the vestibular folds (false vocal cords).
- The glottis contains the vocal cords and is 1cm below them.
- The subglottis extends from the inferior border of the glottis to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage.
Vasculature
- The arterial supply to the larynx is via the superior and inferior laryngeal arteries.
- The superior laryngeal artery is a branch of the superior thyroid artery and follows the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve into the larynx.
- The inferior laryngeal artery is a branch of the inferior thyroid artery and follows the recurrent laryngeal nerve into the larynx.
- Venous drainage is by the superior and inferior laryngeal veins.
Innervation
- The larynx receives both motor and sensory innervation via branches of the vagus nerve.
- The recurrent laryngeal nerve provides sensory innervation to the infraglottis and motor innervation to all the internal muscles of the larynx (except the cricothyroid).
- The superior laryngeal nerve provides sensory innervation to the supraglottis and motor innervation to the cricothyroid muscle.
Cartilages
- The larynx has three unpaired cartilages: the epiglottis, thyroid cartilage, and cricoid cartilage.
- The thyroid cartilage is a large, prominent structure that is easily visible in adult males.
- It is composed of two sheets (laminae) that join together anteriorly to form the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).
- The cricoid cartilage is a complete ring of hyaline cartilage that encircles the airway.
- The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped plate of elastic cartilage that marks the entrance to the larynx.
Paired Cartilages
- The arytenoid cartilages are pyramidal shaped structures that sit on the cricoid cartilage.
- They consist of an apex, base, three sides, and two processes.
- The corniculate cartilages are minor cartilaginous structures that articulate with the apices of the arytenoid cartilages.
- The cuneiform cartilages are located within the aryepiglottic folds and have no direct attachment.
Laryngeal Muscles
- The laryngeal muscles can be divided into two groups: extrinsic and intrinsic muscles.
- The extrinsic muscles act to move the larynx superiorly and inferiorly during swallowing.
- The intrinsic muscles act to move the individual components of the larynx, playing a vital role in breathing and phonation.
- The cricothyroid muscle stretches and tenses the vocal ligaments, and is important for the creation of forceful speech.
- The thyroarytenoid muscle acts to relax the vocal ligament, allowing for a softer voice.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the anatomy, functions, and components of the larynx (voice box) located in the anterior neck. Explore its role in phonation, cough reflex, and protection of the lower respiratory tract.
