Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the epiglottis during swallowing?
Which cartilage forms the laryngeal prominence known as the Adam's apple?
Which ligaments are involved in connecting the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone?
What is the role of the cricoid cartilage in relation to the trachea?
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Which structure forms the attachment for the vocal ligaments in the larynx?
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Which intrinsic muscles of the larynx are responsible for adducting the vocal cords?
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What provides the primary blood supply to the larynx?
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Which nerve primarily innervates the intrinsic muscles of the larynx?
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What forms the upper margin of the cricothyroid ligament?
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Which structure allows for the abduction and adduction of the vocal ligaments?
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Which intrinsic muscle of the larynx is responsible for the forward and downward rotation of the thyroid cartilage?
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Which artery provides the main blood supply to the larynx?
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Which muscle acts as a sphincter for the laryngeal inlet?
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What is the role of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx?
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Which nerve provides motor innervation to all intrinsic laryngeal muscles except for the cricothyroid muscle?
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Which part of the laryngeal cavity contains the vocal folds?
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What causes vocal cord paralysis?
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Which intrinsic muscle is primarily responsible for the adduction of the arytenoid cartilages?
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Where do the superior laryngeal veins drain?
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What is a common cause for damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve?
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What is the function of the vocalis muscle?
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What is the purpose of a cricothyroidotomy?
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Study Notes
Anatomy of the Larynx
- Located in the anterior neck, suspended from the hyoid bone, spanning from C3 to C6.
- Continuous with the trachea and opens into the laryngopharynx.
Anatomical Structure
- Comprised of a cartilaginous framework connected via membranes, ligaments, and muscles.
Laryngeal Cartilages
- Cricoid Cartilage: Forms the inferior larynx, connecting to the trachea via the cricotracheal ligament.
- Thyroid Cartilage: Consists of laminae forming the laryngeal prominence (Adam’s apple), articulates with cricoid and hyoid cartilages.
- Epiglottis: Covers laryngeal inlet during swallowing, preventing food and liquids from entering the respiratory tract.
- Arytenoid Cartilages: Key for vocal fold attachment; facilitate vocal cord movement.
- Corniculate and Cuneiform Cartilages: Support the aryepiglottic folds.
Laryngeal Ligaments
- Extrinsic Ligaments: Include the thyrohyoid membrane, which provides structural support and has openings for vessels and nerves.
- Intrinsic Ligaments: Include the cricothyroid ligament and quadrangular membrane supporting laryngeal cavity architecture.
Laryngeal Folds
- Vocal Folds: Comprised of smooth muscle, control sound pitch through tension adjustments; open space is the rima glottis.
- Vestibular Folds: Also known as false vocal cords, protect the laryngeal cavity.
Laryngeal Joints
- Cricothyroid Joints: Enable thyroid cartilage movement for vocal cord tension adjustment.
- Cricoarytenoid Joints: Allow arytenoid cartilages to slide and rotate, controlling vocal fold abduction/adduction.
Cavity of the Larynx
- Mucosa-lined cavity with three sections:
- Vestibule (above vestibular folds)
- Middle part (between vocal folds)
- Infraglottic space (below vocal folds).
Laryngeal Muscles
- Extrinsic Muscles: Suprahyoid and infrahyoid groups, elevate or depress the larynx during swallowing.
- Intrinsic Muscles: Control vocal fold shape and tension, mostly innervated by the inferior laryngeal nerve; cricothyroid muscle is innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
Blood Supply
- Supplied by the superior laryngeal artery and inferior laryngeal artery, branches of the external carotid and subclavian arteries, respectively.
Venous Drainage
- Similar to arterial supply with superior and inferior laryngeal veins draining into the internal and brachiocephalic veins.
Innervation
- Motor and sensory innervation provided by superior and inferior laryngeal nerves, and recurrent laryngeal nerve; critical for vocal fold movement and sensation below the vocal cords.
Vocal Cord Paralysis
- Involves loss of control over vocal fold movement due to recurrent laryngeal nerve damage.
- Can present unilaterally (minimal speech effect) or bilaterally (impaired breathing and phonation).
- Treatments include voice therapy and surgical intervention.
Laryngoscopy
- Examination procedure using a laryngoscope to assess the larynx and vocal cords, indicating abnormal findings such as tumors or speech issues.
Cricothyroidotomy
- Emergency procedure to establish airway during obstruction when intubation fails; involves incision through the cricothyroid ligament.
Tracheostomy
- Surgical creation of an opening in the trachea for ventilation; performed when laryngeal obstruction occurs, such as foreign body aspiration or severe trauma.
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Description
This quiz covers the anatomy of the larynx, including its location, structure, vasculature, innervation, and clinical relevance. It is designed for students of anatomy to test their understanding of the laryngeal anatomy and its significance in the human body.
