Session 6

Question 1

What is the function of the extrinsic laryngeal muscles (sternothyroid, thyrohyoid etc.)?

Answer 1

They move the larynx up and down the neck and support its central positon, this is
particularly important for swallowing.

Question 2

Where may you create an emergency airway?

Answer 2

Between the thyroid and cricoid cartilage, through the cricothyroid membrane.

Question 3

Why does the thyroid gland have such a good blood supply?

Answer 3

Iodine is present in very low concentration in the blood so the gland needs a high blood flow to ensure adequate delivery of iodine.

Question 4

Which structure may be compressed by an enlarged thyroid gland?

Answer 4

The trachea

Question 5

What is the location of the parathyroid glands and how many are there?

Answer 5

They are positioned on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, there are four.

Question 6

What is the only complete cartilage ring around the airway?

Answer 6

The cricoid cartilage.

Question 7

A patient may develop hypocalcaemia after thyroid surgery, why?

Answer 7

The parathyroid glands may be (accidentally or deliberately) removed during thyroid
surgery which will cause acute (sudden) hypoparathyroidism.