Respiratory System: Larynx and Trachea Overview
16 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

  • Endocrine regulation
  • Gas exchange (correct)
  • Air warming
  • Phonation

    • Which structure marks the beginning of the lower respiratory system?

  • Larynx
  • Alveoli
  • True vocal cords (correct)
  • Trachea

    • Which of the following is NOT considered a function of the larynx?

  • Respiration
  • Gas exchange (correct)
  • Swallowing
  • Phonation

    • What type of cartilage primarily makes up the larynx?

    <p>Hyaline cartilage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cartilage is referred to as the Adam's apple?

    <p>Thyroid cartilage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ligaments are involved in the articulation of the larynx?

    <p>Thyrohyoid and cricotracheal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which paired cartilage is primarily important for the formation of vocal cords?

    <p>Arytenoid cartilage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of the true vocal cords?

    <p>Vocal ligament</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the superior boundary of the laryngeal cavity?

    <p>Vestibular folds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which artery is NOT a contributor to the vascularization of the larynx?

    <p>Pulmonary artery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The recurrent laryngeal nerve is responsible for which of the following?

    <p>Motor function for all laryngeal muscles except cricothyroid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During phonation, which part of the larynx is primarily involved?

    <p>Vocal folds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key clinical indication for performing a cricothyroidotomy?

    <p>Emergent upper airway obstruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the trachea?

    <p>It contains 15-20 C-shaped cartilage rings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The right main bronchus is characterized by which of the following attributes?

    <p>Shorter and more vertical than the left main bronchus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What anatomical structure is located posterior to the trachea?

    <p>Esophagus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Larynx, Trachea, Bronchii Lecture Notes PDF

    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.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser