Week 5 Handout Flashcards
What are the intrinsic muscles of the larynx?
Cricothyroid, Vocalis, Thyroarytenoid, Lateral Cricoarytenoid, Posterior Cricoarytenoid, Aryepiglottic, Interarytenoid
These muscles are responsible for vocal cord tension, length, and position.
What is the function of the Cricothyroid muscle?
Tenses and elongates the vocal cords by tilting the thyroid cartilage.
Innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
Which intrinsic muscle is responsible for adjusting tension in the vocal cords?
Vocalis muscle
Part of the thyroarytenoid muscle and innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What is the primary function of the Thyroarytenoid muscle?
Relaxes and shortens vocal cords, aiding in voice modulation.
Innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What does the Lateral Cricoarytenoid muscle do?
Adducts vocal cords and narrows the rima glottidis.
Innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What is unique about the Posterior Cricoarytenoid muscle?
It is the only abductor muscle of the vocal cords.
Opens the vocal cords and widens the rima glottidis.
What is the function of the Aryepiglottic muscle?
Helps close the larynx during swallowing.
Innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What are the components of the Interarytenoid muscle?
Transverse and oblique parts.
Adducts arytenoid cartilages, contributing to vocal cord closure.
What is the largest laryngeal cartilage?
Thyroid cartilage
Commonly known as the ‘Adam’s apple’. Provides protection to vocal cords.
What is the shape and function of the Cricoid cartilage?
Ring-like, broader at the back than the front; forms the base of the larynx and provides attachment for other cartilages and muscles.
Where are the Arytenoid cartilages located and what is their function?
Situated at the top of the cricoid cartilage; critical in vocal cord movement and voice production.
What is the role of the Cuneiform cartilages?
Provide support and stiffen the aryepiglottic folds.
What is the function of the Corniculate cartilages?
Support the aryepiglottic folds and aid in closing the larynx during swallowing.
What does the Trigeminal Nerve (Cranial Nerve V) innervate?
-Innervates the anterior two-thirds of the nasal cavity and nasal septum.
-Provides sensation to the anterior part of the nasal mucosa and soft palate.
-Maxillary and mandibular divisions contribute to the innervation of the mouth and anterior tongue.
What is the primary function of the Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)?
Motor nerve for facial expressions and contributes to taste sensation in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
What does the Glossopharyngeal Nerve (Cranial Nerve IX) provide?
Sensory innervation to the posterior third of the tongue, tonsils, pharynx, and middle ear.
What is the significance of the Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)?
Provides sensory and motor innervation to most of the larynx and pharynx.
What are the branches of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve?
Internal branch (sensory innervation above vocal cords) and external branch (motor innervation to cricothyroid muscle).
What does the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve innervate?
Provides motor innervation to all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid muscle.
What causes Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Damage to one recurrent laryngeal nerve due to surgical trauma, tumors, or other medical conditions.
What are the symptoms of Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Hoarseness, breathy voice, ineffective cough, aspiration risk.
What management options are available for Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Voice therapy, surgical interventions like medialization thyroplasty, or injection laryngoplasty.
What causes Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Damage to both recurrent laryngeal nerves, often associated with extensive surgical procedures or systemic diseases.
What are the symptoms of Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Significant airway compromise due to inability to abduct vocal cords during breathing.