Anatomy of the Larynx and Nasal Cavity

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the anatomy of the larynx and nasal cavity.

Choana

Posteriorly, the nasal cavity opens into the nasopharynx.

Rima glottidis

Interval between the true vocal cords.

Semilunar Hiatus

Groove in the lateral wall of the nasal cavity where several sinuses drain.

Frontal Sinus

One of the openings located in the middle meatus of the nasal cavity.

Maxillary Sinus

One of the openings located in the middle meatus of the nasal cavity.

Tensor veli palatini muscle

Originates from the base of the skull.

Epiglottis

Flap that covers the trachea during swallowing.

Palatine tonsil

Lymphoid tissue located between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches.

Eustachian tube

Connects the nasopharynx to the tympanic cavity.

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Innervates the stylopharyngeus muscle.

Vestibular folds

Also known as false vocal cords.

Internal laryngeal nerve

Pierces the thyrohyoid membrane with superior laryngeal vessels.

Cricothyroid muscle

Innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve

Innervates all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid muscle.

Hypoglossal nerve

Innervates the muscles of the tongue, located between palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches.

Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone

One of the main bony features of the nasal septum.

Vomer bone

One of the main bony features of the nasal septum.

Middle constrictor muscle

Arises from the greater horn of the hyoid and inferior portion of the stylohyoid ligament.

Lingual artery

Courses deep and medial to the hyoglossus muscle.

Sublingual glands

Located on the floor of the mouth, resting on mylohyoid muscle.

Maxilla and palatine bones

Form the floor of the nasal cavity.

Salpingopalatine fold

Fold of mucous membrane extending down from the torus tubarius.

Thyrohyoid membrane

The superior laryngeal artery and superior laryngeal branch of the vagus penetrate this membrane.

External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

Supplies the cricothyroid muscle.

Drug administration via deep lingual veins

Allows for medication absorption in the sublingual area.

Infections travel through the Eustachian tube

Can lead to ear infections from the nasopharynx.

Lingual nerve

Sensory nerve located in the oral cavity, involved in taste and sensation.

Cuneiform cartilage

One of the minor cartilages associated with the larynx.

Corniculate cartilage

One of the minor cartilages associated with the larynx.

Arytenoid cartilage

Major cartilage of the larynx that affects vocal cord tension.