Larynx Anatomy Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where are the valleculae, vestibule, and piriform recesses located?

The valleculae are spaces located on either side of the midline posterior to the tongue and anterior to the epiglottis. The piriform recess is in the laryngopharynx just posterior to the larynx between the thyroid cartilage and the aryepiglottic fold. The vestibule is the space posterior to the epiglottis between the aryepiglottic folds and above the false vocal folds.

What is the pathway for food material as it passes to the esophagus without passing into the airway?

Food passes over the posterior surface of the tongue, into the valleculae, around the epiglottis into the piriform recesses, and then enters the upper portion of the esophagus.

What is the narrowest part of the airway and where is it located?

The narrowest part of the airway is the rima glottidis, which is the space found between the true vocal cords.

What nerves innervate the mucosal surface of the larynx and where do they originate?

The mucosal surface is innervated by the internal laryngeal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and branches of the inferior (recurrent) laryngeal nerve, both derived from the vagus nerve. Signup and view all the answers

What composes the laryngeal skeleton (cartilages) and how do these cartilages articulate with one another?

The major cartilages of the larynx are the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, epiglottis, and arytenoid cartilages. The thyroid and cricoid cartilages articulate laterally, while the arytenoid cartilages articulate with the upper posterior surface of the cricoid. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the thyrohyoid, cricothyroid, and quadrangular membranes located and how do they shape the laryngeal complex?

The thyrohyoid membrane connects the thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone. The cricothyroid membrane connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, and the quadrangular membrane stretches from the epiglottis to the arytenoid cartilages. Signup and view all the answers

What muscles change the position and tension of the vocal cords, how is this accomplished, and what nerve innervates them?

The muscles include the posterior cricoarytenoid (abducts), lateral cricoarytenoid and arytenoids (adduct), and cricothyroid (stretches). They are innervated by the inferior (recurrent) laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus. Signup and view all the answers

When are the vocal cords opened and closed? Why are they closed to cough?

The vocal cords are closed when increasing intra-thoracic pressure or coughing. They are opened slightly for sound and normal breathing, and very wide during forced respiration. Signup and view all the answers

How is sound produced?

Sound is produced when the vocal cords are approximated, and air is moved from the thoracic cavity through the rima glottidis, causing the cords to vibrate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between true and false vocal folds? What is found between them?

The true vocal folds are inferior and produce sound, while the false vocal folds are above them. The space between them is known as the rima glottidis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Laryngeal Anatomy

Valleculae: Spaces on either side of the midline, located posterior to the tongue and anterior to the epiglottis.
Piriform Recess: Space in the laryngopharynx, posterior to the larynx, situated between the thyroid cartilage and aryepiglottic fold.
Vestibule: Entryway to the respiratory tract, located posterior to the epiglottis between the aryepiglottic folds and above the false vocal folds.

Swallowing Pathway

Food is swallowed over the posterior tongue surface into the valleculae, moving past the epiglottis into the piriform recesses before entering the esophagus.

Airway Anatomy

Narrowest Part: Rima glottidis, the opening between the true vocal cords, which changes shape during actions like speaking and coughing.

Laryngeal Innervation

Mucosal surface innervation is provided by:
- Internal laryngeal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (up to vocal cords).
- Inferior (recurrent) laryngeal nerve for mucosa beyond vocal cords.
Both nerves are derived from the vagus nerve.

Laryngeal Cartilage Composition

Major cartilages: Thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, epiglottis, and arytenoid cartilages.
Thyroid and cricoid cartilages articulate laterally; arytenoid cartilages connect with the cricoid’s upper posterior surface.

Membranous Structures

Thyrohyoid Membrane: Connects thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone, contains internal laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal artery.
Cricothyroid Membrane: Connects thyroid and cricoid cartilages, forms anterior laryngeal aspect.
Quadrangular Membrane: Extends from the epiglottis to arytenoid cartilages; its inferior margin contributes to forming the false vocal fold.

Vocal Cord Mechanics

Vocal cords are modified by muscle actions:
- Abduction: Performed by the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle.
- Adduction: Action of the lateral cricoarytenoid and arytenoid muscles.
- Stretching/Tension: Managed by the cricothyroid muscle and vocalis portion of the thyroarytenoid muscle, affecting pitch.

Vocal Cords Functionality

Vocal cords close to increase intra-thoracic/abdominal pressure or during coughing.
Open slightly for sound production, more widely for normal breathing, and fully during forced respiration.

Sound Production

Created by approximated vocal cords, as air passes through the rima glottidis, causing vibrations.
Pitch change occurs through contraction of the vocalis muscle, while sound is further shaped by oral structures like tongue and lips.

True vs False Vocal Folds

True Vocal Folds: Inferior folds where sound production occurs; space between them is known as the rima glottidis.
False Vocal Folds: Located above the true vocal folds, at the inferior edge of the vestibule, involved in protective mechanisms and do not produce sound.

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Description

Explore the intricate anatomy of the larynx with these flashcards. The cards cover key areas such as the valleculae, vestibule, and piriform recesses, providing definitions and locations. Ideal for students of anatomy and related fields.