Larynx Functions and Cartilages Quiz

Larynx Structure

• The cricoid cartilage forms a complete ring around the airway.
• The anterior union of the two laminae of the thyroid cartilage is called the laryngeal prominence.
• The vocal process is located on the arytenoid cartilage.
• The thyroid cartilage is attached inferiorly to the cricoid cartilage.
• The vocal ligament attaches to the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage.

Laryngeal Functions

• The true vocal cords (TVC) produce sound and vibrate during phonation.
• The quadrangular membrane is involved in the formation of the TVC and the vestibular fold.
• The false vocal cords (vestibular fold) provide additional protection to the airway and help to regulate airflow.
• The cricothyroid joint allows for rotation and gliding of the arytenoid cartilage.

Laryngeal Muscles

• The cricothyroid muscle is the primary tensor of the true vocal cord.
• The posterior cricoarytenoid muscle is the only abductor of the glottis.
• The lateral cricoarytenoid, interarytenoid, and thyroarytenoid muscles are responsible for approximating (adducting) and closing the glottis.
• The thyroarytenoid muscle is the antagonist to the cricothyroid muscle.

Laryngeal Innervation and Blood Supply

• The superior laryngeal artery supplies the superior part of the larynx.
• The inferior laryngeal artery supplies the inferior part of the larynx.
• The external laryngeal nerve provides motor innervation to the cricothyroid muscle.
• The internal laryngeal nerve provides sensory innervation above the true vocal cords.
• The recurrent laryngeal nerve provides motor innervation to all the laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid muscle.
• The recurrent laryngeal nerve provides sensory innervation below the true vocal cords.