The larynx. Anatomy of phonation

What is the vagus nerve also known as?

The vagus nerve is also known as cranial nerve X.

Which cranial nerve is intricately linked to the larynx?

The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is intricately linked to the larynx.

What pharyngeal arches is the vagus nerve associated with?

The vagus nerve is associated with the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches.

What does the extension of the larynx from the epiglottis to the cricoid cartilage signify in terms of function?

This extension signifies its role in protecting the airway and facilitating phonation and respiration.

How do the vocal cords within the larynx function in sound production?

The vocal cords vibrate as air passes through them, producing sound. Their movement is controlled by laryngeal muscles, which adjust the pitch and volume.

What is the role of the visceral afferent fibers of the vagus nerve?

The visceral afferent fibers contribute to the sense of taste and visceral sensations from the larynx.

What types of afferent fibers does the vagus nerve carry from the larynx?

The vagus nerve carries somatic and visceral afferent fibers from the larynx.

What sensations do the somatic afferent fibers of the vagus nerve transmit from the larynx?

The somatic afferent fibers transmit sensations such as touch and pain from the laryngeal mucosa.

What is the relationship of the larynx with the esophagus?

The larynx is positioned posteriorly to the esophagus, playing a role in the separation of the respiratory and digestive tracts.

What is the role of the muscles surrounding the larynx?

The muscles move the larynx and the vocal cords, facilitating breathing, swallowing, and sound production.

Where is the larynx located in the human body?

The larynx is located in the neck, serving as a pathway for air and housing the vocal cords.

Why is the larynx considered a muscular and ligamentous/fibrous tube?

Because it is composed of muscles and membranous structures, providing both flexibility and structural support.

How does the larynx prevent food and liquids from entering the airway?

The strategic positioning and attachment of the larynx, along with the movement of the epiglottis, prevent food and liquids from entering the airway during swallowing.

To what structures is the larynx attached or anchored?

The larynx is anchored to the epiglottis superiorly and the cricoid cartilage inferiorly.

What is the function of the larynx in the respiratory system?

The larynx enables the passage of air from the nasal cavity to the trachea and bronchi.

How does the larynx contribute to sound production?

The larynx houses the vocal cords, whose movement allows for sound production, including speech and singing.

What are the main components forming the larynx?

The larynx is mainly formed by muscles and membranous structures lined with mucosa.

What is the significance of the vagus nerve's connection to the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches?

This connection explains the nerve's role in the innervation of laryngeal structures and its involvement in various physiological functions.

What is the anatomical position of the larynx in relation to the laryngopharynx?

The larynx is anterior to the laryngopharynx.

From where to where does the larynx extend?

The larynx extends from the superior margin of the epiglottis to the level of the C6 vertebra, where the cricoid cartilage is found.

From which embryonic structure does the larynx primarily develop?

The larynx primarily develops from the embryonic pharynx.

Which pharyngeal arches are involved in the formation of the larynx?

The 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches are involved in the formation of the larynx.

What embryonic structure gives rise to the larynx, trachea, and lungs?

The respiratory diverticulum (or laryngotracheal groove) gives rise to the larynx, trachea, and lungs.

What type of embryonic tissue forms the cartilaginous framework of the larynx?

Mesenchyme from the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches forms the cartilaginous framework of the larynx.

From what does the mucosal lining of the larynx originate?

The mucosal lining of the larynx originates from the endoderm of the gastrointestinal tract.

Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to the laryngeal muscles?

The vagus nerve provides motor innervation to the laryngeal muscles.

What is the role of somitomeres in the development of the larynx?

Somitomeres in the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches give rise to the muscles that move the larynx.

How is the laryngeal inlet or orifice initially formed during embryonic development?

The laryngeal inlet or orifice is initially formed from the respiratory diverticulum that arises from the floor of the pharynx.

What is the significance of the respiratory diverticulum in the larynx's development?

The respiratory diverticulum marks the beginning of the larynx's formation and separates to form the laryngeal inlet.

Which cartilages of the larynx are derived from the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches?

The thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages of the larynx are derived from the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches.

What is the embryonic origin of the laryngeal muscles?

The laryngeal muscles originate from somitomeres in the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches.

How does the laryngeal orifice evolve during embryonic development?

The laryngeal orifice evolves as the cartilages derived from the pharyngeal arches grow and define the boundaries of the larynx.

What marks the future site of the laryngeal inlet during embryonic development?

The separation of the respiratory diverticulum from the foregut marks the future site of the laryngeal inlet.

Why is the vagus nerve involved in the innervation of the larynx?

The vagus nerve innervates the larynx because it is responsible for structures derived from the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches.

What is the developmental significance of the mesenchyme in the pharyngeal arches?

The mesenchyme in the pharyngeal arches differentiates into the cartilaginous structures and muscles of the larynx.

How does the endoderm contribute to the development of the larynx?

The endoderm contributes to the development of the larynx by forming the mucosal lining.

What are the main cartilages formed from the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches in the larynx?

The main cartilages formed are the thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages.

How do the muscles of the larynx develop embryologically?

The muscles of the larynx develop from the somitomeres, which are associated with the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches.

What role does the respiratory diverticulum play in the separation of respiratory and digestive tracts?

The respiratory diverticulum leads to the formation of the laryngeal inlet, which helps separate the respiratory and digestive tracts.

How is the continuity between the larynx and the oropharynx and trachea established embryologically?

The continuity is established through the development of the laryngeal inlet and the differentiation of structures around it, ensuring a continuous passage from the oropharynx to the trachea.

What is the laryngeal skeleton?

The laryngeal skeleton is the rigid framework of cartilages and bones that provides support and protection to the larynx.

Which bone is the larynx suspended from?

The larynx is suspended from the hyoid bone.

What connects the hyoid bone to the thyroid cartilage?

The thyrohyoid membrane connects the hyoid bone to the thyroid cartilage.

What is the largest cartilage of the larynx?

The largest cartilage of the larynx is the thyroid cartilage.

What is the common name for the thyroid cartilage, especially prominent in men?

The common name for the thyroid cartilage is the "Adam's apple."

Which cartilage is shaped like a signet ring and located below the thyroid cartilage?

The cricoid cartilage is shaped like a signet ring and located below the thyroid cartilage.

What is the function of the cricoid cartilage?

The cricoid cartilage provides structural support and is a pivotal point for the rotation and movement of the arytenoid cartilages.

What are the arytenoid cartilages?

The arytenoid cartilages are small, pyramid-shaped structures on top of the cricoid cartilage, essential for vocal cord movement and tension.

How do the extrinsic ligaments and membranes contribute to the larynx's function?

They provide support and stability, allowing the larynx to move during swallowing and speaking while maintaining its structural integrity.

What is the main protective function of the laryngeal skeleton?

The laryngeal skeleton protects the delicate structures within the larynx, such as the vocal cords.

How does the laryngeal skeleton support voice production?

The laryngeal skeleton's structure allows for movements essential for voice production and breathing adjustments.

What is the significance of the connection between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages?

The connection ensures continuity of the airway, facilitating breathing and vocalization.

What role does the hyoid bone play in the anatomy of the larynx?

The hyoid bone provides an anchor point from which the larynx is suspended, aiding in its stability and movement.

How does the laryngeal skeleton maintain the position of the larynx in the neck?

The skeleton provides a stable structure that supports the larynx and maintains its position in the neck.

Why is the arytenoid cartilage important for the larynx's function?

The arytenoid cartilages are crucial for the movement and tension of the vocal cords, affecting voice modulation and airway protection.

What shape is the epiglottis and from which pharyngeal arch is it derived?

The epiglottis is leaf-shaped and derived from the 4th pharyngeal arch.

How does the epiglottis connect to the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone?

The epiglottis articulates with the internal aspect of the thyroid cartilage and is connected to the hyoid bone through a series of ligaments.

What is the common name for the prominence of the thyroid cartilage?

The common name for the thyroid cartilage's prominence is the Adam's apple or "la nuez."

Describe the shape of the thyroid cartilage.

The thyroid cartilage resembles an open book, with a V-shaped anterior notch.

What are the articulations present in the thyroid cartilage?

The thyroid cartilage has two pairs of horns - 2 superior and 2 inferior - which articulate with the cricoid cartilage.

What is the function of the oblique line on the thyroid cartilage?

The oblique line serves as the insertion point for the inferior constrictor muscle.

Describe the shape of the cricoid cartilage.

The cricoid cartilage is ring-shaped and becomes thicker on its posterior aspect.

With which cartilages does the cricoid cartilage articulate?

The cricoid cartilage articulates with the inferior horns of the thyroid cartilage and the arytenoid cartilages.

How do the large laryngeal cartilages contribute to the larynx's function?

The large cartilages provide structure, support, and protection to the larynx, facilitating functions such as swallowing and phonation.

What role does the epiglottis play in swallowing?

The epiglottis acts as a lid over the larynx, preventing food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing.

How does the shape of the thyroid cartilage influence the human voice?

The shape and tension of the thyroid cartilage influence the pitch and tone of the voice by affecting the vocal cords.

Why is the cricoid cartilage important for the laryngeal structure?

The cricoid cartilage provides a base for the larynx and a pivot point for the arytenoid cartilages, crucial for vocal cord adjustment.

What is the significance of the articulations between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages?

These articulations allow for movement and adjustment of the larynx during speech and breathing.

How do the cartilages of the larynx work together to facilitate voice production?

The cartilages support and adjust the position and tension of the vocal cords, enabling the modulation of sound.

What is the anatomical relationship between the epiglottis, thyroid cartilage, and hyoid bone?

The epiglottis is connected to the thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone through ligaments, forming an integrated structure that supports laryngeal functions.

From which pharyngeal arch are the arytenoid cartilages derived?

The arytenoid cartilages are derived from the 6th pharyngeal arch.

What is the shape of the arytenoid cartilages?

The arytenoid cartilages are triangular-shaped.

With which cartilage do the arytenoid cartilages articulate?

The arytenoid cartilages articulate with the cricoid cartilage.

What are the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages?

The vocal processes are sharp extensions that project toward the laryngeal lumen for vocal ligament attachment, playing a key role in opening and closing the glottis.

What is the function of the muscular processes on the arytenoid cartilages?

The muscular processes extend laterally and serve as attachment points for muscles, including the vocalis muscle, influencing vocal cord movement.

Where are the corniculate cartilages located?

The corniculate cartilages are located at the apex (tips) of the arytenoid cartilages.

What role do the corniculate cartilages play in the larynx?

The corniculate cartilages help in supporting the arytenoid cartilages and play a role in the laryngeal opening and closing mechanism.

What is the significance of the cuneiform cartilages in the larynx?

The cuneiform cartilages provide structural support and stability to the larynx, enhancing its protection and function.

How do the arytenoid cartilages contribute to voice production?

By rotating and adjusting tension in the vocal cords, the arytenoid cartilages control pitch and sound production.

What is the relationship between the arytenoid cartilages and the vocal cords?

The arytenoid cartilages attach to the vocal cords via the vocal processes and influence their movement and tension.

How do the arytenoid cartilages affect the glottis?

The rotation and movement of the arytenoid cartilages open and close the glottis, which is crucial for breathing and voice modulation.

What is the medial surface of the arytenoid cartilages like?

The medial surface of the arytenoid cartilages is smooth, allowing for proper contact and movement.

Describe the lateral surface of the arytenoid cartilages.

The lateral surface of the arytenoid cartilages contains a couple of depressions that are important for muscle and ligament attachments.

How are the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages connected to the thyroid cartilage?

The arytenoid cartilages articulate with the cricoid, which has articular surfaces to connect with the inferior horns of the thyroid cartilage.

What is the function of the thyroepiglottic ligament in relation to the small paired cartilages?

The thyroepiglottic ligament connects the thyroid and epiglottis cartilages, playing a role in the stability and movement of the laryngeal framework.

The thyrohyoid membrane connects the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone, providing support and stability to the larynx.

The thyrohyoid membrane connects the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone, providing support and stability to the larynx.

Flashcard 2:Front: Where is the thyrohyoid membrane located?Back: The thyrohyoid membrane is located between the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone.

Flashcard 3:Front: What structures pass through the orifices in the thyrohyoid membrane?Back: The superior laryngeal artery and vein, and the internal laryngeal nerve pass through the orifices in the thyrohyoid membrane.

Flashcard 4:Front: What is the significance of the hyoepiglottic ligament?Back: The hyoepiglottic ligament connects the epiglottis to the hyoid bone, aiding in the movement of the epiglottis during swallowing to prevent aspiration.

Flashcard 5:Front: Where does the hyoepiglottic ligament attach?Back: It attaches from the dorsum of the epiglottis to the internal aspect of the hyoid bone.

Flashcard 6:Front: What is the role of the cricotracheal ligament?Back: The cricotracheal ligament connects the cricoid cartilage to the first tracheal ring, ensuring