Airway Anatomy Handout 5 Flashcards
(79 cards)
What are intrinsic muscles?
Intrinsic muscles include the Cricothyroid, Vocalis, Thyroarytenoid, Lateral Cricoarytenoid, Posterior Cricoarytenoid, Aryepiglottic, and Interarytenoid. They are responsible for vocal cord tension, length, and position.
Which intrinsic muscle is innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve?
The cricothyroid muscle is unique among intrinsic muscles as it is innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve.
What are extrinsic muscles?
Extrinsic muscles include the sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles. They primarily function to move the larynx as a whole, especially during swallowing.
Cricothyroid Muscle - Function
Tenses and elongates the vocal cords by tilting the thyroid cartilage.
Cricothyroid Muscle - Innervation
External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
Cricothyroid Muscle - Clinical significance
Its unique innervation makes it susceptible to different injuries compared to other intrinsic muscles.
Vocalis Muscle - Function
Adjusts tension in vocal cords, crucial for fine control of pitch.
Vocalis Muscle - Innervation
Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What is the function of the Cricothyroid Muscle?
Tenses and elongates the vocal cords by tilting the thyroid cartilage.
What innervates the Cricothyroid Muscle?
External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
What is the clinical significance of the Cricothyroid Muscle?
Its unique innervation makes it susceptible to different injuries compared to other intrinsic muscles.
What is the Thyroarytenoid Muscle?
Lies parallel to the vocal cords.
What is the function of the Thyroarytenoid Muscle?
Relaxes and shortens vocal cords, aiding in voice modulation.
What innervates the Thyroarytenoid Muscle?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What is the function of the Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle?
Adducts vocal cords, narrows the rima glottidis.
What is the innervation of the Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What is the clinical significance of the Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscle?
Important in producing vocal sounds and airway protection.
What is the Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle?
The only abductor muscle of the vocal cords.
What is the function of the Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle?
Opens the vocal cords, widening the rima glottidis.
What innervates the Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What is the clinical significance of the Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle?
Crucial for breathing; its dysfunction can lead to vocal cord paralysis.
What is the Aryepiglottic Muscle?
Located in the aryepiglottic folds.
What is the function of the Aryepiglottic Muscle?
Helps close the larynx during swallowing.
What innervates the Aryepiglottic Muscle?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve.