Questions and Answers
What is the composition of the larynx?
What title has the larynx earned due to its position at the superior end of the bronchial tree and trachea?
Guardian of the airway
What is the primary function of the larynx?
Protecting the airway and producing sound
What is the one bone of the larynx?
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How is the larynx connected to the hyoid bone?
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Name the three unpaired laryngeal cartilages.
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Name the three paired laryngeal cartilages.
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Which paired cartilage is most important for sound production and why?
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What muscles attach to the posterolateral border of the thyroid cartilage?
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What are the well-known facts related to the thyroid cartilage?
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Which cartilage surrounds the airway?
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How does the cricoid cartilage articulate with the thyroid cartilage and what does this allow?
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How is the hyoid bone attached to the epiglottis?
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What muscle of the epiglottis assists in closing the laryngeal inlet?
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How is the arytenoid cartilage attached to the epiglottis?
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Name the three directional movements of the arytenoid cartilages.
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Where does the laryngeal cavity extend?
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What is the laryngeal inlet and what makes it up?
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Where does the vestibule lie?
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What are vestibular folds also known as?
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What is the ventricle?
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What is the infraglottic cavity?
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What three components make up the true vocal folds?
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What is conus elasticus made up of?
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What are the vocal ligaments and where do they run?
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Which vocal cords are responsible for sound coming from the larynx?
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What physical function do the true vocal folds have?
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Study Notes
Overview of the Larynx
- The larynx is composed of one bone (hyoid bone) and nine cartilages, making it a small yet complex organ.
- It is located at the superior end of the bronchial tree and trachea, earning the title "guardian of the airway."
Functions of the Larynx
- Maintains a patent airway by protecting the respiratory system from food and foreign substances.
- Responsible for phonation, enabling the production of sound and speech.
- Works in conjunction with the mouth, nose, and tongue for effective voice production.
Important Anatomical Features
- Laryngeal Prominence: A midline elevation formed by the thyroid cartilage, commonly known as the "Adam's Apple."
- Thyroid Notch: A depression located on the superior border of the laryngeal prominence.
Cartilage Composition
- Unpaired Cartilages: Include thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottic cartilages.
- Paired Cartilages: Include arytenoid, cuneiform, and corniculate cartilages.
Sound Production
- Arytenoid Cartilage: Most crucial for sound production due to its attachments to the vocal cords.
- The true vocal folds (muscles and ligaments attached to the arytenoid cartilage) create sound through vibrations.
Muscular Attachments
- The posterolateral border of the thyroid cartilage serves as an attachment site for the stylopharyngeus and palatopharyngeus muscles.
- The thyroepiglotticus muscle aids in closing the laryngeal inlet.
Laryngeal Structure and Cavities
- Cricoid Cartilage: Surrounds the airway and articulates with the thyroid cartilage at the cricothyroid joint, allowing for tension adjustments in the vocal cords.
- Laryngeal Cavity: Extends from the laryngeal inlet to the level of the cricoid cartilage.
Vocal Anatomy
- True Vocal Folds: Composed of vocal ligament, vocalis muscle, and mucous membrane; responsible for sound production.
- Conus Elasticus: Formed by the lateral cricothyroid ligament and vocal ligament.
Laryngeal Inlet and Vestibule
- The laryngeal inlet is an opening formed by the epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages, bordered by the aryepiglottic fold.
- The vestibule is the region above the vestibular folds (false vocal folds).
Ventricle and Infraglottic Cavity
- The ventricle is a lateral recess located between the vestibular and true vocal folds.
- The infraglottic cavity is the area between the true vocal folds and the inferior aspect of the cricoid cartilage.
Vibratory Function of Vocal Folds
- True vocal folds generate audible vibrations when air passes through them during phonation.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards on the larynx. Learn about its anatomy, position within the bronchial tree, and crucial functions. Perfect for students or anyone interested in human respiratory anatomy.