The Larynx

Question 1

what are the 2 different types of muscles at the larynx

Answer 1

the thyroarytenoid muscles and the cricothyroid muscles

Question 2

what are the functions of the thyroarytenoid muscles

Answer 2

relaxes vocal ligament and decreases pitch(deeper voice)

Question 3

what are the attachments of the thyroarytenoid muscles

Answer 3

posterior thyroid to the anterior arytenoid cartilage

Question 4

what are the attachments of the cricothyroid muscles

Answer 4

anterolateral cricoid cartilage to the inferior horn of thyroid cartilage

Question 5

what is the innervation of the mucosa above and below the vocal folds

Answer 5

mucosa above = internal laryngeal nerve

mucosa below = inferior laryngeal nerve

Question 6

what are all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx innervated by, except one

Answer 6

Inferior laryngeal nerve

except cricothyroid

Question 7

what is the inferior laryngeal nerve a branch of, and what CN is involved

Answer 7

branch of recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is a branch of CN X(vagus nerve)

Question 8

how is the CN X(vagus nerve) innervation tested in the larynx

Answer 8

listen to patient speak, is voice hoarse? are intrinsic mucsles able to open and close vocal cords properly

Question 9

Larynx isn’t sufficient to produce loud sounds by itself, what else is involved

Answer 9

laryngeal ‘buzz’ is amplified by the pharynx, oral and nasal cavities

Question 10

what is the stimuli for cough reflex

Answer 10

sensory stimuli in the supraglottis

Question 11

describe the cough reflex action

Answer 11

glottic closure, internal and innermost intercostals contract, inspiratory muscles contract increasing body cavity pressure, then glottic release of high pressure air

Question 12

where do glottic tumours present

Answer 12

on the vocal cords

Question 13

where do sub-glottic tumours present

Answer 13

spread to paratracheal nodes