Pharynx & Larynx Flashcards Preview

Section 3F (Nose, Fascia, Pharynx, Larynx, Cranial Neuropathy) > Pharynx & Larynx > Flashcards

Flashcards in Pharynx & Larynx Deck (8)
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1
Q

What are the 3 areas of the pharynx?

A

Nasopharynx

  • posterior to nasal cavity
  • superior to soft palate

Oropharynx

  • posterior to oral cavity
  • superior to epiglottis

Laryngopharynx

  • posterior to larynx
  • inferior to epiglottis
2
Q

What is the pharynx?

A

A passage posterior to the nasal and oral cavities and larynx

connects oral and nasal cavities to the larynx and oesophagus

has both respiratory and digestive functions (via trachea and oesophagus)

3
Q

Describe the 3 tonsils in the pharynx

A

Pharyngeal (adenoids)

  • roof and walls of nasal pharynx
  • most superior

Tubal

  • between pharyngeal and palatine
  • near pharyngeal orifice of pharyngotympanic tube

Palatine

  • most inferior
  • between palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches
4
Q

What is the larynx?

A
  • an organ comprised of 9 cartilages
  • makes up the superior trachea
  • contains the vocal cords
  • level C3-6
5
Q

What are the 3 parts of the larynx?

A

Vestibule

  • entrance
  • superior to vestibular folds

Ventricle

  • mid part
  • between vestibular folds and vocal folds

Infraglottic cavity
- between vocal folds and cricoid cartilage

6
Q

What are the superior and inferior borders of the larynx?

A

Superior border - epiglottis and hyoid bone

Inferior border - trachea (larynx encompasses superior trachea)

7
Q

What are the 3 main cartilages of the larynx?

A

Epiglottic:

  • superior border of larynx
  • at root of tongue and hyoid bone
  • heart shaped
  • acts as a ‘switch’ between the oesophagus and trachea

Thyroid:

  • large shield like cartilage
  • tracheal prominence (Adam’s apple)
  • shields and protects vocal folds

Cricoid:

  • inferioro to thyroid
  • ring like
  • thicker and stronger than thyroid
  • encircles and protects trachea
8
Q

Briefly describe the anatomy and fun, and actions of the thyroid and parathyroid glands

A

Thyroid glands:

  • 2 bilateral lobes connected by a narrow isthmus
  • anterior to larynx and trachea, and inferior to thyroid cartilage
  • deep to sternothyroid and sternohyoid muscles

functions:
- secrete thyroid hormones (role in metabolism)

Parathyroid glands:

  • 4 tiny glands on posterior surface of thyroid glands
  • secrete parathyroid hormones