Pharynx and Larynx Flashcards
What are the 3 functions of the larynx?
1) Cough reflex
2) Protect lower RT
3) Phonation
What type of epithelia covers the vocal folds?
Stratified squamous epithelium, so can withstand the vibrations and opening/closing
How is the larynx supplied by blood?
Superior and Inferior laryngeal arteries
What does RLN supply?
Motor innervation to intrinsic muscles of larynx (NOT CRICOTHYROID)
What does Internal branch of SLN supply?
Sensory Inn to laryngopharynx and larynx
How is the cricothyroid supplied by motor innervation?
External branch of superior laryngeal nerve
What are the 3 unpaired cartilages in larynx?
1) Cricoid (Hyaline)
2) Thyroid (Hyaline)
3) Epiglottis (Elastic)
What are the 3 paired cartilages in larynx?
1) Arytenoid
2) Cuneiform
3) Corniculate
What do 2 sheets of thyroid cartilage form in the midline?
Laryngeal prominence
What vertebral level is the larynx inferior body level with?
C6
Cuneiform cartilage location and function
Within the aryepiglottic folds. They strengthen the folds.
Name the space between the vocal cords?
Rima glottidis
What is the superior vestibular fold of VC?
False vocal cords
What are the extrinsic pharynx muscles?
Suprahyoid, Stylopharyngeus, infrahyoid
Larynx extrinsic muscles function?
Move larynx superiorly and inferiorly during swallowing
What are the 4 infrahyoid muscles?
1) Omohyoid
2) Sternohyoid
3) Sternothyroid
4) Thyrohyoid
Function: Control shape of RG, and length/tension of vocal folds
How are intrinsic laryngeal muscles innervated?
RLN (Not cricothyroid)
What is the function of the cricothyroid muscles?
Stretches and tenses the vocal cords. Important for the creation of speech.
What is the function of the thyroarytenoid muscles?
Relaxes the vocal ligament, allowing for a softer voice.
Function of 2 cricoarytenoid muscles?
1) Post: Adduction of vocal folds, narrow rima glottidis
2) Lateral: Abduction of VF, widen RG
Transverse arytenoid function?
Adduction of arytenoid cartilage, narrowing laryngeal inlet
What is the function of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles?
Sequentially contract to propel food into oesophagus (Bolus)
Name 3 sections of Pharynx and length of extension?
A) Naso, Oro and Laryngo(Hypo)
B) From base of skull to C6
What are the 3 longitudinal pharyngeal muscles called and their function?
1) Stylo, salpingo and palato - pharyngeus
2) Shorten and widen pharynx, (elevate it during swallowing too)