The Larynx Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What structure is a musculoligamentous structure, has a cartilaginous framework, and caps the lower respiratory tract?

larynx

What are the functions of the larynx?

Air passageway to the lungs, 2. Assistance in voice production, 3. Valve (prevent foreign substances from entering the lungs, regulate thoracic pressure)

Name the three large unpaired cartilages of the larynx.

Thyroid, 2. Cricoid, 3. Epiglottis

What structure is the largest of the laryngeal cartilages and has a 'shield-like' shape?

Thyroid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

The thyroid cartilage has a posterior margin that forms _ and _ horns.

superior, inferior Signup and view all the answers

The superior horn of the thyroid cartilage is connected to which bone?

hyoid bone Signup and view all the answers

The inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage forms a facet to articulate with what?

cricoid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What structure is the most inferior of the laryngeal cartilages, encircles the airway, and is 'ring-like' in shape?

cricoid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What are the three distinct structures on the posterior surfaces of the cricoid cartilage?

<ol> <li>Oval depressions (attachment of the posterior crico-arytenoid muscles), 2. Vertical ridge (attachment of esophagus), 3. Facets</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What structure is a leaf-shaped cartilage that is attached to the thyroid cartilage?

epiglottis Signup and view all the answers

What is the inferior half of the posterior surface called on the epiglottis?

epiglottic tubercle Signup and view all the answers

The arytenoid cartilages are what shaped cartilages?

pyramid-shaped Signup and view all the answers

Name the components of the arytenoid cartilages.

<ol> <li>Concave base that articulates with cricoid cartilage, 2. Apex that articulates with corniculate cartilage, 3. Medial surface, 4. Anterolateral surface (depressions, attachment of muscles/ligaments)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What cartilage has small conical cartilages that articulate with apices of arytenoid cartilage?

corniculate cartilage Signup and view all the answers

Cuneiform cartilages are smaller cartilages that are ______ shaped.

club-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What cartilage is suspended in the membrane of the larynx that attaches the arytenoid cartilages and the lateral margin of the epiglottis?

cuneiform cartilages Signup and view all the answers

Name the extrinsic ligaments of the larynx.

<ol> <li>Thyrohyoid membrane, 2. Cricotracheal ligament, 3. Hyo-epiglottic ligament</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Name the intrinsic ligaments of the larynx.

<ol> <li>Cricothyroid ligament, 2. Vocal ligament, 3. Quadrangular membrane</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What structure is the vocal apparatus of the larynx?

glottis Signup and view all the answers

What is the rima glottidis?

space between the vocal ligaments lined with mucous membrane Signup and view all the answers

Name the components of the vocal cord (folds) that are part of the glottis.

<ol> <li>Vocal ligament, 2. Mucous membrane, 3. Vocalis muscle, 4. Thyroarytenoid muscle</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

The shape of the rima is influenced by what?

movement of the arytenoid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

Name the intrinsic muscles of the larynx.

<ol> <li>Cricothyroid muscles, 2. Posterior cricothyroid muscles, 3. Lateral cricoarytenoid muscles, 4. Transverse arytenoid muscles, 5. Oblique arytenoid muscles, 6. Thyroarytenoid muscles, 7. Vocalis muscles</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the CTM?

rotate cricoid cartilage up, vocal cords are tensed, raise the pitch of voice Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the PCM?

abduction of the vocal cords, opening movement of the rima, loss of function is life-threatening Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of LCAM?

adduct the vocal cords Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle extends into the aryepiglottic fold?

OAM Signup and view all the answers

What are the innervations of the larynx?

<ol> <li>External branch superior laryngeal nerve, 2. Internal branch superior laryngeal nerve</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Larynx Overview

A musculoligamentous structure that caps the lower respiratory tract.
Plays a crucial role in air passage, voice production, and functioning as a valve.

Functions of the Larynx

Facilitates air movement to the lungs.
Assists in sound production for speech and communication.
Acts as a protective valve to prevent foreign substances from entering the lungs.
Regulates thoracic pressure during various activities.

Cartilage Structure of the Larynx

Comprises three large unpaired cartilages:
- Thyroid cartilage
- Cricoid cartilage
- Epiglottis
Contains three smaller cartilages:
- Arytenoid cartilages
- Corniculate cartilages
- Cuneiform cartilages
Surrounded by a fibro-elastic membrane, ligaments, and intrinsic muscles.

Thyroid Cartilage

Largest laryngeal cartilage, characterized by a "shield-like" shape and the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).
Composed of two laminas with an oblique line.
Has superior and inferior horns; the superior connects to the hyoid bone via the lateral thyrohyoid ligament.

Cricoid Cartilage

Most inferior laryngeal cartilage, encircling the airway with a "ring-like" appearance.
The posterior surface features:
- Oval depressions for posterior crico-arytenoid muscle attachment.
- Vertical ridge for esophagus attachment.
- Facets for articulation.

Epiglottis

Leaf-shaped cartilage that attaches to the thyroid cartilage.
Positioned behind the pharyngeal part of the tongue.
Has an inferior surface known as the epiglottic tubercle.

Arytenoid Cartilages

Pyramid-shaped cartilages with specific components:
- Concave base articulating with cricoid cartilage.
- Apex that connects to corniculate cartilage.
- Distinct medial and anterolateral surfaces for muscle and ligament attachment.

Corniculate and Cuneiform Cartilages

Corniculate cartilage: small, conical shape, articulates with the arytenoid cartilage.
Cuneiform cartilage: smaller and club-shaped; suspended within the laryngeal membrane.

Laryngeal Ligaments

Extrinsic ligaments:
- Thyrohyoid membrane
- Cricotracheal ligament
- Hyo-epiglottic ligament
Intrinsic ligaments:
- Cricothyroid ligament
- Vocal ligament
- Quadrangular membrane

Glottis and Vocal Apparatus

The vocal apparatus is termed the glottis.
Rima glottidis: space between the vocal ligaments, lined with mucous membrane.
Vocal cord components include:
- Vocal ligament
- Mucous membrane
- Vocalis muscle
- Thyroarytenoid muscle

Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx

Includes:
- Cricothyroid muscles
- Posterior cricoarytenoid muscles
- Lateral cricoarytenoid muscles
- Transverse arytenoid muscles
- Oblique arytenoid muscles
- Thyroarytenoid muscles
- Vocalis muscles

Muscle Functions

Cricothyroid muscles: rotate cricoid cartilage upward, tense vocal cords, and raise pitch.
Posterior cricoarytenoid muscles: abduct vocal cords, essential for rima opening.
Lateral cricoarytenoid muscles: adduct vocal cords.
Oblique arytenoid muscles: extend into the aryepiglottic fold.

Innervation of the Larynx

Innervated by:
- External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
- Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

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Description

Explore the anatomy and functions of the larynx with these flashcards. Learn about its structure, its role in voice production, and how it protects the respiratory tract. Perfect for students studying human anatomy or respiratory physiology.