clinically oriented anatomy of pharynx and larynx

general human anatomy

1. Practical anatomy Pharynx & larynx C.O.A / 2 nd semester Session; 5th-Snell’s clinical anatomy by region ; Chapter 12; Pages; 736-745 References; C.O.A By Richard Frank Netters atlas ; multi sections/ plates

2. Larynx Anatomical definition; Structure, Anatomical location & relations Laryngeal skeleton; Cartilages , ligaments and membranes Laryngeal inlet; boundaries Laryngeal cavity & folds Muscles Blood supply, venous drainage and nerve supply Clinical points !

3. Terminology and special anatomical features The larynx , also known as the voice box, is a complex structure located in the upper part of the neck. It has several key anatomic features, including: Cartilages: The larynx is made up of three pairs of cartilages: the thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages. These cartilages work together to protect the trachea and produce sound during speech. Glottis : The opening between the vocal cords, where air enters and leaves the lungs, is known as the glottis. Vocal cords: The vocal cords, also known as the vocal folds, are two folds of mucous membrane located within the larynx. They vibrate to produce sound during speech and singing. Laryngeal muscles : There are several muscles that control the movement of the larynx and the position of the vocal cords. These muscles allow us to control the pitch, volume, and quality of our voice. Laryngeal nerves: The larynx is innervated by several nerves, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve. These nerves control the movement of the laryngeal muscles and sensation in the larynx.

4. Glossary continued Epiglottis : The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food or liquid from entering the airway. Aryepiglottic folds: The aryepiglottic folds are two mucosal-covered muscle bundles that extend from the arytenoid cartilages to the epiglottis. They help to close the larynx during swallowing. Cricothyroid membrane: The cricothyroid membrane is a thin, elastic membrane that spans between the cricoid and thyroid cartilages. It can be stretched or relaxed to adjust the tension on the vocal cords and produce different pitches. Vestibular folds: The vestibular folds, also known as the false vocal cords, are located above the true vocal cords. They are not involved in voice production, but help to protect the airway and prevent foreign objects from entering the lungs. Sinuses: The larynx contains several sinuses, which are spaces within the structure that help to amplify and resonate sound. These sinuses play an important role in speech production and the quality of the voice.

5. Anatomical Position and Relations The larynx is located in the  anterior compartment  of the neck, suspended from the  hyoid bone , and spanning between C3 and C6. It is continuous inferiorly with the  trachea , and opens superiorly into the laryngeal part of the pharynx. It is covered anteriorly by the  infrahyoid muscles , and laterally by the lobes of the  thyroid gland . The larynx is also closely related to the major blood vessels of neck, which ascend laterally to it (?) . Posterior to the larynx is the  esophagus .

6. Clinical points The  recurrent laryngeal nerve  is at risk of injury during  thyroid surgery  because it passes close to the  thyroid gland  on its ascent to the larynx. While unilateral  vocal cord   paresis  leads to paramedian positioning of the  vocal cords , which may cause hoarseness , acute bilateral  paralysis  is a medical emergency  that may require a tracheotomy to  secure the airway

7. Conditions that affect your larynx Acute laryngitis : You may develop acute laryngitis if you have an infection or if you strain your vocal cords by overusing your voice. Chronic laryngitis : Long-term laryngitis lasts longer than three weeks. Causes include smoking, allergies and reflux . Laryngeal cancer :  You can develop cancer in any part of your larynx. Trauma or injury:  You can hurt your larynx by overusing your voice when speaking, shouting or singing for a long time. Likewise, being hit in your throat can hurt your larynx. Vocal cord dysfunction :  This occurs when the vocal cords don’t act or work normally. Vocal cord lesions :  This happens when you develop noncancerous lesions, nodules, polyps or cysts, especially with overuse of your voice. Vocal cord paralysis :  This happens when one or both vocal cords don’t move properly . Teachers polyp !?

8. Anatomy in infants The anatomy of the larynx in infants is different than that of adults. Infants have a shorter and more anterior larynx, which allows them to produce the higher-pitched cries that are typical of newborns. The larynx of infants also moves more easily than that of adults, which helps to keep the airway open during feeding and swallowing.

9. Cultural variations in larynx anatomy There are cultural and ethnic differences in the anatomy of the larynx, which can affect speech and voice. For example, some cultures have a higher and more anterior larynx, which can result in a higher-pitched voice. These differences in laryngeal anatomy can also affect the ability to produce certain speech sounds, such as certain consonants and tones in tonal languages.

10. Laryngeal reflexes The larynx is protected by several reflexes, which help to prevent foreign objects from entering the trachea and lungs. For example, the laryngeal adductor reflex, also known as the "gag reflex," causes the larynx to close rapidly when a foreign object is detected in the airway. This reflex helps to protect the trachea and lungs from inhaling foreign objects.

11. QUIZ TIME Types of joints present in Larynx!?