LG #7 Larynx and Pharynx

Thyroid Gland

produces hormones that regulate metabolism, body heat, and bone growth

- Superior & Inferior Thyroid Arteries

- Vagus & Cervical Ganglia

Parathyroid Gland

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

- Cervical Ganglia

- Inferior Thyroid

Thyroid Cartilage

A firm prominence of cartilage that forms the upper part of the larynx; the Adam's apple.

Laminae of Thyroid Cartilage

two quadrangular plates that form the thyroid cartilage

Laryngeal Prominence

Adam's apple (thyroid cartilage)

Cricoid Cartilage

the ring-shaped structure that forms the lower portion of the larynx

- surrounds it

Cricothyroid membrane

A thin sheet of fascia that connects the thyroid and cricoid cartilages that make up the larynx.

- cricothyrotomy spot

Cricotracheal Ligament

connects lower border of cricoid cartilage with upper border of first tracheal ring

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.

Vestibular (False) Folds

superior vocal folds at the level of the thyroid cartilage; no sound protection

- Protection of vocal cords

Vocal (True) Folds

inferior vocal folds at the level of the thyroid cartilage; controls sound protection

Rima Glottidis

opening between vocal folds

Glottis

Rima Glottidis + Vocal folds

Vallecula

depression between the epiglottis and the base of the tongue.

- Target of blade for intubation

Piriform Fossa

hollow pockets on the lateral sides of the glottic opening

- Where food gets stuck

Laryngeal Ventricle

space between true and false vocal folds

Cricothyroid Muscle

lengthens and tenses the vocal folds, resulting in pitch change

- Innervated by Superior Laryngeal Nerve

Nasopharnyx

region of the pharnyx at the back of the nose and above the soft palate

- Houses Pharyngeal Tonsils & Auditory Tube

Oropharnyx

middle section of pharnyx, located behind oral cavity

Laryngopharynx

lower part of the pharynx, just below the oropharyngeal opening into the larynx and esophagus

Superior Pharyngeal Constrictor

pulls pharyngeal wall forward, constricts pharyngeal diameter

- Vagus Nerve Innervation

Middle Pharyngeal Constrictor

narrows diameter of pharynx

- Vagus Nerve Innervation

Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictor

reduces diameter of lower pharynx (peristaltic movements for swallowing)

- Vagus Nerve innvervation