Anatomy: The Pharynx, Larynx, and Hyoid Apparatus Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which region of the pharynx connects the mouth and the esophagus?

Nasopharynx

Hypopharynx

Oropharynx (correct)

Laryngopharynx

What is the function of the hyoid apparatus?

It suspends the tongue and the larynx. (correct)

It is a bony structure in the neck.

It is part of the digestive tract.

It is responsible for phonation.

Which of the following cartilages is part of the larynx?

Basihyoid cartilage

Cricoid cartilage (correct)

Thyrohyoid cartilage

Epihyoid cartilage

What is the relationship between the diameter of the larynx and the trachea?

The larynx has a larger diameter than the trachea. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following imaging modalities is best suited for visualizing the larynx?

Ultrasonography Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the pharynx connects the nasal chambers and the larynx?

Nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

What disorder is characterized by the failure of the cricopharyngeus muscle to relax during swallowing?

Pharyngeal Dysphagia Signup and view all the answers

Which breed is commonly associated with Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

Labradors Signup and view all the answers

What may occur due to laryngeal paralysis in severe cases?

Pulmonary edema Signup and view all the answers

What is a clinical sign of laryngeal paralysis?

Dry cough Signup and view all the answers

What structural abnormality is associated with Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

Small pharynx and vertically directed hyoid apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What may result from inefficiency of pharyngeal contractions?

Retention of food material within the pharynx Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition that is consistent with the abnormal caudoventral position of the larynx in the text?

Brachycephalic airway syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the tubular structure that extends from the level of the body of the axis to approximately the fifth thoracic vertebra, where it bifurcates into the principal or mainstem bronchi over the base of the heart?

Trachea Signup and view all the answers

What condition is described in the text as common in brachycephalic breeds and in the Skye Terrier?

Laryngeal hypoplasia Signup and view all the answers

Which radiographic view is helpful in demonstrating the trachea without superimposition of the vertebrae and sternum?

Oblique view Signup and view all the answers

What causes a pseudonarrowing of the trachea at the thoracic inlet?

Hyperextension of the neck Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the laryngeal cartilages being soft and underdeveloped?

Partial obstruction of the upper airway Signup and view all the answers

What can be recognized on radiographs if the trachea is punctured?

Air opacities beneath the skin Signup and view all the answers

Which condition results from damage to the tracheal rings and may lead to narrowing of the trachea?

Tracheal stenosis Signup and view all the answers

What infestation is diagnosed when irregularities in the tracheal lumen and soft tissue opacities are seen within it?

Oslerus osleri Signup and view all the answers

What clinical signs are associated with avulsion of the tracheal rings in cats after trauma?

Dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and cyanosis on exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is a main clinical finding in cases of foreign body obstruction of the trachea?

Sudden bouts of severe coughing Signup and view all the answers

What is usually absent on radiographs in cases of tracheitis?

Radiographic signs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of obtaining multiple radiographic views of the thorax?

To achieve maximal contrast between different structures within the thorax Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the appearance of the tracheal lumen on radiographs is correct?

The tracheal lumen may appear less sharp than usual due to mucosal swelling Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken when interpreting thoracic radiographs?

Ensure that any skin masses or teat shadows are not mistaken for intrapulmonary opacities Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended ultrasound probe frequency for thoracic examination in small dogs and cats?

7-10 MHz Signup and view all the answers

Which radiographic view provides the least distortion of the cardiac outline?

Dorsoventral view Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon can cause linear streaks or a honeycomb effect on thoracic radiographs?

Subcutaneous emphysema Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pharynx, Larynx, and Hyoid Apparatus

The pharynx is a passage common to the digestive and respiratory tracts
3 regions: oropharynx (communicates with the mouth and esophagus), nasopharynx (communicates with the nasal chambers and larynx), and laryngopharynx (distal part, connects oropharynx to the esophagus)

Larynx

Composed of several cartilages, including the epiglottis, thyroid, cricoid, and two arytenoids
Older animals may show calcification of some or all of the laryngeal cartilages
Normally, the larynx is wider in diameter than the trachea
Can be imaged with a 7.5- to 10-MHz high-resolution transducer, and the vocal cords can be imaged using the ventral aperture between the cricoid and thyroid cartilage

Hyoid Apparatus

A bony structure that suspends the tongue and larynx
Composed of a single basihyoid bone in the base of the tongue, and several other small bones (thyrohyoid, keratohyoid, epihyoid, and stylohyoid)

Abnormalities in Larynx

Pharyngeal dysphagia: structural or neurologic disorders, inefficiency of pharyngeal contractions results in the retention of food material within the pharynx
Cricopharyngeal achalasia: failure of the cricopharyngeus muscle to relax during swallowing or from lack of coordination of the mechanisms involved in swallowing
Laryngeal paralysis: paralysis of the laryngeal muscles, resulting in the laryngeal airway not opening adequately during respiration
Brachycephalic airway syndrome: a combination of elongated soft palate and various laryngeal abnormalities
Laryngeal hypoplasia: common in brachycephalic breeds and in the Skye Terrier, resulting in partial obstruction of the upper airway

Trachea

A tubular structure that extends from the level of the body of the axis to approximately the fifth thoracic vertebra, where it bifurcates into the principal or mainstem bronchi over the base of the heart
Normal radiographic appearance on lateral and ventrodorsal views of the neck and thorax
Overextension can result in pseudonarrowing at the thoracic inlet
Flexion of the head or neck or elevation from the table top can cause tracheal deviation in the cranial thorax

Abnormalities in Trachea

Rupture: if the trachea is punctured, air escapes into the peritracheal tissues, and subcutaneous emphysema can be recognized on radiographs as air opacities beneath the skin
Stenosis: narrowing of the trachea, which can be caused by damage to the tracheal rings
Oslerus osleri infestation: irregularities in the tracheal lumen and soft tissue opacities projecting into it
Avulsion: disruption in continuity of the tracheal rings within the thorax
Obstruction: foreign body obstruction of the trachea is not common, but can cause sudden bouts of severe coughing
Tracheitis: there are usually no radiographic signs of tracheitis, but intratracheal exudation and mucosal swelling may cause the tracheal lumen to appear less sharp than usual

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomical structures of the pharynx, larynx, and hyoid apparatus. Learn about the different regions of the pharynx and the composition of the larynx cartilages.