Anatomy of the Larynx

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Questions and Answers

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

  • Production of sound
  • Filtering air (correct)
  • Linking the pharynx and trachea
  • Protection of airways from swallowed matter

What is the most superior space within the larynx?

  • Vestibule (correct)
  • Ventricle
  • Rima glottidis
  • Infraglottic cavity

Which cartilage is described as a complete ring of hyaline cartilage?

  • Cricoid cartilage (correct)
  • Thyroid cartilage
  • Arytenoid cartilage
  • Epiglottis

The rima glottidis is best described as which of the following?

<p>Opening between the vocal folds and arytenoid cartilages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The epiglottis is primarily responsible for which function?

<p>Closing off the laryngeal inlet during swallowing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cartilages is NOT one of the three unpaired cartilages of the larynx?

<p>Arytenoid (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure is also known as the 'Adam's apple'?

<p>Laryngeal prominence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure extends from the lateral edges of the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages?

<p>Quadrangular membrane (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure forms the vocal folds?

<p>The ligament and mucous membrane combined (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The infraglottic cavity is located in which region of the larynx?

<p>Inferior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the arytenoid cartilages?

<p>Provide attachment sites for muscles that control vocal fold movement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The cuneiform cartilages are contained within which laryngeal structure?

<p>Aryepiglottic fold (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament connects the inferior stem-like part of the epiglottis to the posterior surface of the thyroid cartilage?

<p>Thyroepiglottic ligament (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The superior free border of the conus elasticus forms which structure?

<p>Vocal ligament (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the epiglottis attach on the thyroid cartilage?

<p>Posterior aspect of the laryngeal prominence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the laryngeal inlet?

<p>Entrance from the pharynx into the larynx (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding the position of the larynx?

<p>Located in the anterior neck, anterior to the cervical part of the esophagus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A surgeon is performing a delicate procedure near the arytenoid cartilages and needs to be extremely cautious. Damage to which structure could MOST directly affect the patient's ability to modulate their voice?

<p>Vocal process (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A pathologist examines a biopsy from a laryngeal lesion. The report indicates the presence of tissue from the quadrangular membrane. Which specific region of the larynx would MOST likely be the source of this biopsy?

<p>The lateral border of the laryngeal inlet (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ventricle is the ________ and ________ space of the larynx.

<p>Smallest; middle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Overview of the Larynx

Located in the anterior neck, linking the pharynx and trachea, allowing air passage and phonation, sitting at the C3-C6 level.

Laryngeal Inlet

The entrance from the pharynx into the larynx.

Larynx Vestibule

The superior space extending from the laryngeal inlet to the vestibular folds.

Larynx Ventricle

The middle and smallest space between the vestibular and vocal folds.

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Infraglottic Cavity

The most inferior space of the larynx extending from the vocal folds to the first tracheal ring.

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Rima Glottidis

Opening between the vocal folds and arytenoid cartilages.

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Epiglottis

Leaf-shaped elastic cartilage closing the laryngeal inlet while swallowing.

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Thyroid Cartilage

Largest larynx cartilage, forming Adam's apple, with superior thyroid notch.

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Cricoid Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage ring between the thyroid cartilage and trachea with anterior arch and posterior lamina.

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Arytenoid Cartilages

Hyaline cartilages sitting on the cricoid cartilage, shaped like pyramids, with vocal & muscular processes.

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Corniculate Cartilages

Small, conical cartilages on top of the arytenoid cartilages, considered minor.

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Quadrangular Membrane

Submucosa layer extending from the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages. Its superior border is the aryepiglottic fold, forming the laryngeal inlet's lateral border.

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Vestibular Fold

Inferior free edge of the quadrangular membrane, also known as the false vocal cord.

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Conus Elasticus

Connective tissue between the cricoid and thyroid cartilages. Its superior free edge forms the vocal ligament.

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Vocal Ligaments

Superior free edges of the conus elasticus extending from the arytenoids to the inner thyroid cartilage, forming vocal folds.

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Study Notes

Overview of the Larynx

  • Located at the front of the neck, in front of the cervical esophagus
  • Connects the pharynx and trachea
  • Allows air to pass through
  • Located at the C3-C6 vertebral level
  • In females and children, the larynx is positioned slightly higher

Larynx Functions

  • Protects the airways from large objects
  • Produces sound during phonation

Larynx Anatomy

  • Laryngeal Inlet: Entrance from the pharynx into the larynx

Three Main Spaces of the Larynx

  • Vestibule: Most superior space, extending from the laryngeal inlet to the vestibular folds
  • Ventricle: The larynx's middle and smallest space, situated between the vestibular and vocal folds
  • Infraglottic Cavity: Most inferior space, extending from the lower vocal folds to the first tracheal ring
  • Rima Glottidis: Opening between the vocal folds and arytenoid cartilages

Cartilages of the Larynx

  • The larynx contains three unpaired cartilages: epiglottis, thyroid, and cricoid
  • The larynx contains paired cartilages: arytenoid, corniculate, and cuneiform

Epiglottis

  • Leaf-shaped elastic cartilage
  • Sits behind the hyoid bone and in front of the laryngeal inlet
  • Closes off the laryngeal inlet during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airways
  • Contains a free superior part (broad and rounded, sometimes notched) and an attached inferior stem-like part secured to the thyroid cartilage by the thyroepiglottic ligament

Thyroid Cartilage

  • Largest laryngeal cartilage
  • Formed by two hyaline cartilage laminae fused in the midline
  • Laryngeal Prominence: The inferior two-thirds of the thyroid cartilage that attach to the epiglottis. Also known as the "Adam's apple"
  • V-shaped superior thyroid notch sits above the prominence
  • Superior and inferior horns are posterolateral extensions, also called superior and inferior cornua

Cricoid Cartilage

  • A complete ring of hyaline cartilage between the thyroid cartilage and trachea
  • Anterior Arch: Curved part
  • Posterior Lamina: Flattened part

Arytenoid Cartilages

  • Located on the cricoid cartilage
  • Made of hyaline cartilage
  • Pyramidal in shape and taper into an apex
  • Articulate with the corniculate cartilage above
  • Vocal Process: Elongated sharp projection on the anterior surface, for vocal ligament and muscle attachment
  • Muscular Process: Rounded projection posterolaterally, for muscle attachment

Corniculate Cartilages

  • Sit atop the arytenoid cartilages
  • Conical in shape
  • Minor cartilages

Intrinsic Structures of the Larynx

  • Quadrangular Membrane: Layer of submucosa with broad, thin sheets of connective tissue from the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages
  • Covered in mucosa
  • Aryepiglottic Fold: Superior free border
  • Forms the lateral border of the laryngeal inlet
  • Cuneiform Tubercle: Contains the cuneiform cartilages, Located at the inferior end of each aryepiglottic fold
  • Vestibular Fold: Inferior free edge of the quadrangular membrane, also known as the false vocal cord

Conus Elasticus

  • Connective tissue between the superior rim of the cricoid and thyroid cartilage
  • Superior free edge forms the vocal ligament

Vocal Ligaments

  • Superior free edges of the conus elasticus
  • Extend from the arytenoid cartilages to the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage
  • Mucous membrane-covered
  • Combined ligament and mucous membrane is known as the vocal folds (vocal cords) and are essential for producing sound

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