Larynx Flashcards
Describe the structure of the larynx
Supraglottis - inferior surface of epiglottis, vestibular folds (fake cords)
Glottis - vocal cords (+1cm inferiorly)
Subglottis - down to lower border of cricoid cartilage
List and describe the main structures in the larynx
Epiglottis - lead shaped plate of elastic fibrocartilage, attached posteriorly to thyroid cartilage by throepiglottic ligament
Vallecula - depression between tongue base and epiglottis
Thyroid cartilage - laryngeal prominence (adam’s apple), larger cartilage in GIT, comprising of two lamina, superior and inferior thyroid horns
Vocal cords - stratified squamous, Reinke’s space, vocal ligament, vocalis muscle
Cricoid cartilage - most inferior cartilage, completely encircles airway, signet ring shaped, 2 articular facets on each side (arytenoid cartilage, inferior horn of thyroid cartilage)
Arytenoid cartilage - pyramid shaped, concave base, involved in vocal cord movement
Describe the neurovascular supply of the larynx
Arteries - superior and inferior laryngeal artery (from thyroid artery)
Veins - superior and inferior laryngeal veins
Nerves - superior laryngeal nerve (supplies cricothyroid muscle), recurrent laryngeal nerve
Describe some of the causes and consequences of some of the common disorders affecting the larynx
Recurrent laryngeal palsy - idiopathic, laryngeal cancer, thyroid disease, thyroid surgery, trauma, cervical lymphadenopathy, oesophageal cancer
Hypolaryngeal/laryngeal carcinoma - late presentation, foreign body sensation, dysphagia, examination (crepitus), investigations, TNM, management of surgery or palliative
Thyroid surgery - hemi/sub-total/total thyroidectomy –> iatrogenic injury to nerves
List the muscles used to abduct and adduct the vocal cords
Abduct - posterior cricoarytenoid
Adduct - lateral cricoarytenoid
List the functions of the larynx
Respiration
Phonation
Protecting trachea/bronchial tree (during swallowing)
Cough reflex
