The Larynx Flashcards
what are the 2 different types of muscles at the larynx
the thyroarytenoid muscles and the cricothyroid muscles
what are the functions of the thyroarytenoid muscles
relaxes vocal ligament and decreases pitch(deeper voice)
what are the attachments of the thyroarytenoid muscles
posterior thyroid to the anterior arytenoid cartilage
what are the attachments of the cricothyroid muscles
anterolateral cricoid cartilage to the inferior horn of thyroid cartilage
what is the innervation of the mucosa above and below the vocal folds
mucosa above = internal laryngeal nerve
mucosa below = inferior laryngeal nerve
what are all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx innervated by, except one
Inferior laryngeal nerve
except cricothyroid
what is the inferior laryngeal nerve a branch of, and what CN is involved
branch of recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is a branch of CN X(vagus nerve)
how is the CN X(vagus nerve) innervation tested in the larynx
listen to patient speak, is voice hoarse? are intrinsic mucsles able to open and close vocal cords properly
Larynx isn’t sufficient to produce loud sounds by itself, what else is involved
laryngeal ‘buzz’ is amplified by the pharynx, oral and nasal cavities
what is the stimuli for cough reflex
sensory stimuli in the supraglottis
describe the cough reflex action
glottic closure, internal and innermost intercostals contract, inspiratory muscles contract increasing body cavity pressure, then glottic release of high pressure air
where do glottic tumours present
on the vocal cords
where do sub-glottic tumours present
spread to paratracheal nodes
