SHS 300 - Quiz 4

What is the biological function of the larynx?

Protection

What are some examples of larynx protection?

• prevents air from escaping from lungs when valving is needed

• prevent foreign substances from entering the lungs

• expel foreign substances threatening the trachea

What is the non-biological role of the larynx?

Sound generation

Why is voice important?

• delivers information 

• defines characteristics of our social self 

• people depend on voice as a critical aspect of job 

• conveus evaluative information 

• preferred voice quality characteristics and social stereotypes 

How many cartilages make up the larynx?

6

How many bones make up the larynx?

1

How many joints make up the Larynx?

1

Larynx Skeletal Framework 

• 6 cartilages 

• 1 bone

• 1 joint

• membranes and ligaments

Is the hyoid bone part of the larynx?

no

Is the hyoid bone secure or free floating?

free floating

What is the hyoid bone used for?

attachement for extrinsic laryngeal muscles

What shape is the hyoid bone?

U-shaped 

• corpus (body)

• corna (horns) - greater/lesser

Hyoid Bone - Corpus

Hyoid Bone - Corna

What is the largest laryngeal cartilage?

the thyroid cartilage

What is thyroid cartilage's function?

shield-like housing of larynx

What is the thyroid cartilage framework?

• 2 thyroid laminae 

• angle of thyroid 

• thyroid notch 

• laryngeal prominence 

• superior and inferior cornua (horns )

What is the cricoid cartilage framework?

• lowest part of laryngeal skeleton

• above trachea 

• ring shaped strcutures 

• hyaline cartilage 

What makes up the cricoid cartilage?

• cricoid arch

• cricoid lamina 

• articular facets 

Cricoid Cartilage - Lower Facets

articulates with inferior horn of thyroid cartilage

Cricoid Cartilage - Upper Facets

articulates with arytenoid cartilages

What makes up shape of Arytenoid Cartilage?

• pyramidal shape 

  • apex 

  • muscular process 

  • vocal process 

  • facets 

Epiglottis Cartilage

• flexible - leaf shaped structure

• elastic cartilage 

What is the function of the epiglottis cartilage?

Provides airway protection during swallowing

Corniculate Cartilages

Paired, elastic cartilage

• sits on apex of arytenoid 

Cuneiform Cartilage

• paired, elastic cartilage 

• embedded in arynepiglottic folds 

• stiffen and support aryepglottic folds 

What does cuneiform cartilages do?

help mainain opening the larynx