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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
Which structure marks the beginning of the lower respiratory system?
Which structure marks the beginning of the lower respiratory system?
Which of the following is NOT considered a function of the larynx?
Which of the following is NOT considered a function of the larynx?
What type of cartilage primarily makes up the larynx?
What type of cartilage primarily makes up the larynx?
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Which cartilage is referred to as the Adam's apple?
Which cartilage is referred to as the Adam's apple?
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Which ligaments are involved in the articulation of the larynx?
Which ligaments are involved in the articulation of the larynx?
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Which paired cartilage is primarily important for the formation of vocal cords?
Which paired cartilage is primarily important for the formation of vocal cords?
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What is the composition of the true vocal cords?
What is the composition of the true vocal cords?
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What is the superior boundary of the laryngeal cavity?
What is the superior boundary of the laryngeal cavity?
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Which artery is NOT a contributor to the vascularization of the larynx?
Which artery is NOT a contributor to the vascularization of the larynx?
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The recurrent laryngeal nerve is responsible for which of the following?
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is responsible for which of the following?
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During phonation, which part of the larynx is primarily involved?
During phonation, which part of the larynx is primarily involved?
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What is a key clinical indication for performing a cricothyroidotomy?
What is a key clinical indication for performing a cricothyroidotomy?
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Which statement correctly describes the trachea?
Which statement correctly describes the trachea?
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The right main bronchus is characterized by which of the following attributes?
The right main bronchus is characterized by which of the following attributes?
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What anatomical structure is located posterior to the trachea?
What anatomical structure is located posterior to the trachea?
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Study Notes
Respiratory System: Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi
- The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange, supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
- Other functions include warming air, phonation, immunological functions, and endocrine functions.
- The lower respiratory system begins at the true vocal cords and ends at the alveoli.
- The conducting zone includes the larynx, trachea, main bronchi, lobar bronchi, segmental bronchi, subsegmental bronchi, bronchioles, and terminal bronchioles.
- The respiratory zone includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli.
Larynx
- The larynx is part of the respiratory tract.
- It contains vocal cords.
- The larynx is approximately 2 inches long and tubeshaped.
- It connects to the laryngeal part of the pharynx above.
- It connects to the trachea below.
- Functions of the larynx include respiration, phonation (using vocal cords), and swallowing (by self-obstructing).
Pharyngeal Stage (Involuntary Protective Phase)
- The soft palate rises to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity.
- The larynx elevates, and the glottis closes (by epiglottis).
General Structure of the Larynx
- Cartilaginous skeleton (hyaline cartilage, except the epiglottis, which is elastic).
- Membranes and ligaments.
- Intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.
- Mucosal lining.
Single Cartilages of the Larynx
- Thyroid cartilage (composed of two lamina).
- Cricoid cartilage (single, most inferior cartilage).
- Epiglottis.
Paired Cartilages of the Larynx
- Arytenoid cartilages.
- Corniculate cartilages.
- Cuneiform cartilages. These cartilages are important for the formation of vocal cords
Laryngeal Cartilages Articulation
- The epiglottis, thyroid lamina, cricoid cartilage, and the thyro-epiglottic ligament articulate to form and make the structure of the larynx.
Joints & Ligaments of the Larynx
- Thyrohyoid ligament.
- Cricothyroid ligament.
- Cricotracheal ligament.
True & False Vocal Cords
- The vocal ligament forms the true vocal cords.
- The true vocal cords are responsible for the production of sound.
- The false vocal cords are located above the true vocal cords.
Laryngeal Cavity
- The laryngeal inlet is the superior entry point to the larynx. The inlet involves the epiglottis.
- The laryngeal cavity is narrow, and the superior border has vestibular folds (false vocal folds).
- The inferior border has vocal folds, and the inferior border marks the beginning of the trachea.
Vestibule of the Laryngeal Cavity
- The supraglottic part is above the vestibular fold.
- The ventricle is situated between the vestibular and vocal folds.
- The infraglottic part lies below the vocal folds
Vascularization of the Larynx
- Arterial supply from branches of the superior thyroid artery (external carotid) and inferior thyroid artery (thyrocervical trunk).
- Veins parallel the arterial supply.
Laryngeal Innervation
- Superior laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus nerve): motor to cricothyroid, sensory above vocal cords.
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus nerve): motor for all laryngeal muscles except cricothyroid, sensory below vocal cords.
Larynx Functions (Modes)
- Quiet respiration: vocal folds and vestibular folds are open.
- Forced respiration: vocal folds are abducted, rima glottidis is wide open, vestibule is open.
- Phonation: vocal folds are adducted, air is forced between them, making a sound.
- Swallowing: laryngeal inlet is narrowed, epiglottis swings downward.
Clinical Issues
- Cricothyroidectomy: incision into the cricothyroid membrane during emergencies from upper airway obstructions.
- Aspiration: food or other foreign substances enter the trachea instead of the esophagus.
- Vocal cord palsy: trauma to the recurrent laryngeal nerve causes vocal cord paralysis.
Trachea
- A flexible tube (10–12 cm long, 1.5-2.5 cm wide).
- Extends from the cricoid cartilage to the sternal angle (T4–T5).
- Composed of 15–20 C-shaped rings of cartilage.
- Branches into the right and left main bronchi.
Trachea Relationships
- Posterior to the esophagus
- Anterior to the heart and great vessels.
Primary Bronchi
- One per lung.
- Boundaries: sternal angle and root of lung.
- C-shaped cartilage rings.
Right Bronchus
- Wider, more vertical, and shorter than the left bronchus.
- Divides into upper, middle, and lower lobar bronchi.
Left Bronchus
- Narrower, more angled, and longer than the right bronchus.
- Divides into upper and lower lobar bronchi.
Bronchial Vascularization
- Right bronchus: supplied by the right bronchial artery (from the 3rd intercostal artery).
- Left bronchus: supplied by 2 bronchial arteries (directly from the aorta).
- Veins drain into the pulmonary vein or azygos vein.
Bronchial Innervation
- Sympathetic: from sympathetic trunk.
- Parasympathetic: from vagus nerve
Clinical Applications of the Larynx and Bronchi
- Tracheostomy: insertion of a tube into the trachea, bypassing the larynx for breathing.
Surface Anatomy
- Visually identifiable landmarks are shown for the larynx, trachea, and major vessels
X-ray & Bronchography
- X-ray images of the lungs and bronchi to diagnose pathology. The X-ray image shows the locations of the right and left main bronchi relative to trachea.
Additional Notes
- Diagrams and images referenced in these notes are not included within the summary.
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Description
Explore the essential functions and anatomy of the respiratory system, focusing on the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. This quiz covers key components involved in gas exchange, phonation, and airway management. Perfect for students learning about the detailed structures of the respiratory system.
