Clinical Anatomy of the Larynx Flashcards
(37 cards)
What structures are enclosed within the pre tracheal fascia of the neck
Strap muscles thyroid gland trachea and larynx oesophagus and pharynx recurrent laryngeal nerves
Describe the location of the larynx
Anterior to the laryngopharynx
Between C4-C6 vertebral levels
Where is the cricoid cartilage
C6
Where is the superior border of the thyroid cartilage
C4/5
What are the palpable structures i the neck
External occipital protuberance mastoid process transverse processes of cervical vertebrae spinous process of C7 spinous process of T1 clavicle Trachea manubrium of the sternum cricoid cartilage thyroid cartilage hyoid bone mental process of the mandible lower border of the mandible angle of the mandible
What is the main function of the larynx
To maintain the potency of URT
To help prevent entry of foreign bodies into the LRT
What else helps to prevent the entry of foreign bodies into the LRT
vocal cords and cough reflex
produce sound
vocal cords
What type of cartilage is the epiglottis made from
Elastic
What cartilage is the only one to create an entire ring around the larynx
Cricoid
Where is the best place for access for intubation etc. in the larynx
Cricothyroid membrane
What muscle completes the posterior wall of the trachea
Trachealis
What allows us to nod
The capsule of the cricothyroid joint (synovial) - AP movement between the thyroid and cricoid cartilage
What type of muscle covers the cartilage of the trachea
Smooth muscle
Where do your vocal cords attach to
The vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage at the back and the internal aspect of the thyroid cartilage anteriorly
What 5 things does adding pressure to the cricoid cartilage allow
Lamina of the cricoid cartilage compresses the oesophagus
presses it against the C6 vertebral body
Oesophagus is closed but the larynx / airway is open
Prevents regurgitation / aspiration
Allows ventilation
What cartilages are located deep to the laryngeal mucosa
Cuneiform and cornilate cartilages
What does endotracheal intubation involve
Placing a breathing tube inside the trachea through the mouth / nasal cavity oropharynx / nasopharynx laryngeal inlet rima glottidis of the larynx trachea
Why would you not insert an ET tube into a main bronchus
If you did, only 1 lung would inflate and the other would collapse
What is the vallecula
The space between the tongue and the epiglottis
A laryngoscope blade is inserted into here
What is the mucosal lining of inside the larynx mainly made of
Respiratory epithelium
What are exceptions to the respiratory epithelium in the larynx
Vocal cords: Stratified squamous epithelium
Describe how the mucociliary escalator works
The mucous glands secrete mucous onto the epithelial surface
Cilia beat to sweep the mucous (and any foreign bodies stuck in the mucous superiorly, towards the pharynx to be swallowed
What is the nerve of the larynx
Vagus
What divides the larynx
The vocal cords
