2.7 The Larynx

Question 1

What is the Larynx also known as?

Answer 1

The Voice Box and the (Protective) Inlet of the Respiratory System

Question 2

With which structure is the continuous with Superiorly?

Answer 2

The Pharynx

Question 3

With which structure is the continuous with Inferiorly?

Answer 3

The Trachea

Question 4

What are the 2 main Cartilages which can be viewed from an Anteroposterior view?

Answer 4

1. Thyroid Cartilage

2. Cricoid Cartilage

Question 5

What Bone lies above the Thyroid Cartilage?

Answer 5

The Hyoid Bone

Question 6

What are the main Cartilages (Superior to Inferior) which can be viewed from an Posteroanterior view?

Answer 6

1. Epiglottal Cartilage
2. Thyroid Cartilage
3. Corniculate Cartilage
4. Arytenoid Cartilage
5. Cricoid Cartilage

Question 7

Which Cartilage is a complete ring, completely surrounds the Larynx?

Answer 7

The Cricoid Cartilage

Question 8

The Prominence of which Cartilage makes the “Adam’s Apple” in males?

Answer 8

The Thyroid Cartilage

Question 9

Which of the Cartilages are paired?

Answer 9

The Cornicular Cartilage

They Arytenoid Cartilage

Question 10

What is the space between the Laryngeal Cartilages occupied by?

Answer 10

Dense Connective Tissue Membranes

Question 11

What is the name of the Dense Connective Tissue Membrane between the Thyroid Cartilage and the Hyoid Bone?

Answer 11

The Thyrohyoid Membrane

Question 12

What is the name of the Dense Connective Tissue Membrane between the Cricoid Cartilage and the Thyroid Cartilage?

Answer 12

The Median Cricothyroid Membrane

Question 13

Which Dense Connective Tissue Membrane lies inferior to the Vocal Cords?

Answer 13

The Median Cricothyroid Membrane

Question 14

What 4 structures outline the Laryngeal Inlet?

Answer 14

1. Anteriorly - The Free Curved Edge of the Epiglottis
2. Posteriorly - The Corniculate Cartilage
3. Posteriorly - The Arytenoid Cartilage
4. Laterally - The Aryepiglottic Folds

Question 15

What 3 parts is the Lumen of the Larynx divided into?

Answer 15

1. The Upper Part (Vestibule) is the area between the Laryngeal Inlet and the Vestibular Folds (False Vocal Cords)
2. The Middle Part lies between the Vestibular Folds and the True Vocal Cords
3. The Lower Part extends from the Vocal Cords to the Lower Border of the Cricoid Cartilage

Question 16

What controls the movement of the Vocal Folds and the diameter of the Laryngeal Inlet?

Answer 16

Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx

Question 17

What actions can the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx perform?

Answer 17

1. Tightening of the Vocal Cords
2. Relaxing of the Vocal Cords
3. Abduction of the Vocal Cords
4. Adduction of the Vocal Cords

Question 18

Which nerve supplies the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx?

Answer 18

The Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve

Question 19

What is the only Muscle, of the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx, which is not supplied by the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve?
And what nerve supplies this?

Answer 19

The Cricothyroid Muscle is supplied by the Superior Laryngeal Nerve, a branch of the Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)

Question 20

What would happen if the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve was Transected?

Answer 20

There would be a complete loss of:

1. Motor innervation to the Intrinsic Muscles of the Larynx (Except for the Cricothyroid Muscle
2. Sensory innervation to the area below the Vocal Cord

Question 21

What is the Sensory Nerve Supply to the Mucous Membrane of the Larynx?

Answer 21

A branch of the “Superior Laryngeal Nerve,” the “Internal Laryngeal Branch”.
The Superior Laryngeal Nerve itself is a branch off of the Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)

Question 22

What position would the Vocal Cords be in during Normal Respiration?

Answer 22

Abducted

Question 23

What position would the Vocal Cords be in during Rapid Breathing (e.g. on heavy exercise)?

Answer 23

Fully Abducted

Question 24

What position would the Vocal Cords be in during Speaking?

Answer 24

Adducted