Anatomi Systema Respiratorium : Larynx

Summary

This video from the UNS Anatomy Lab focuses on the respiratory tract, specifically the larynx. Led by an assistant from the 2019 class, the lesson explores the structure and functions of the larynx, including its role in breathing and voice production. The video explains the anatomy of the larynx, highlighting its main cartilages (thyroid, cricoid, epiglottis, arytenoid) and other structures. It also covers the larynx's mobility, vascularization, and innervation, providing a detailed overview of how the larynx works within the respiratory system.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍⚕️ The video is presented by Nafau Nisa, an anatomy lab assistant from FK UNS Surakarta.
• 🫁 The topic focuses on the respiratory tract, specifically the larynx, as part of the respiratory system.
• 🗣️ The larynx serves as a respiratory passage and an instrument for producing sound. It also acts as a sphincter to prevent food from entering the airway.
• 🔄 The larynx is a mobile structure that moves up, down, forward, and backward through the actions of its extrinsic muscles.
• 🔑 The larynx consists of several major and minor cartilages, including the unpaired thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis cartilages, and the paired arytenoid, corniculata, and cuneiform cartilages.
• 🔊 The thyroid cartilage, commonly known as the Adam’s apple, is more prominent in males due to a sharper angle between its laminae.
• 🛑 The epiglottis acts as a valve to block food from entering the respiratory tract during swallowing.
• 💨 The vocal cords (plica vocalis) and false vocal cords (plica vestibularis) are important structures within the larynx responsible for sound production and airway protection.
• 🩸 The larynx is vascularized by several arteries, including the superior and inferior laryngeal arteries, which supply different parts of the larynx.
• 🧠 The motor and sensory innervation of the larynx is primarily provided by the vagus nerve, with branches like the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves controlling different muscles and areas.

Q & A

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

The larynx acts as a part of the respiratory tract and serves as a conducting zone, which helps transport air to the lungs. It also functions as a sphincter to prevent food from entering the respiratory tract.

What additional role does the larynx play besides being part of the respiratory system?

Besides its role in respiration, the larynx functions as a phonation organ, producing sound and helping with speech.

How does the epiglottis contribute to the larynx's sphincter function?

The epiglottis acts as a valve, preventing food from entering the respiratory tract by closing the laryngeal inlet when swallowing.

What are the three major unpaired cartilages of the larynx?

The three major unpaired cartilages of the larynx are the cricoid cartilage, thyroid cartilage, and epiglottis.

What is the Adam's apple, and why is it more prominent in males?

The Adam's apple, or laryngeal prominence, is formed by the thyroid cartilage. It is more prominent in males due to a sharper angle (about 90°) between the cartilage laminae compared to females (around 120°).

What is the role of the arytenoid cartilage in the larynx?

The arytenoid cartilage, which is paired and pyramid-shaped, helps move the vocal cords and regulate tension for sound production.

Which arteries provide vascularization to the larynx?

The larynx is vascularized by the superior laryngeal artery (from the superior thyroid artery, a branch of the external carotid artery), the inferior laryngeal artery (from the inferior thyroid artery, a branch of the subclavian artery), and the cricothyroid artery.

How is the larynx innervated?

Motor innervation of the larynx is mainly provided by the vagus nerve, except for the cricothyroid muscle, which is innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. Sensory innervation above the vocal cords is provided by the superior laryngeal nerve, while below the cords, it is handled by the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

What is the significance of the vestibular and vocal folds in the larynx?

The vestibular folds (false vocal cords) and vocal folds (true vocal cords) play important roles in sound production. The vestibular folds do not produce sound but help protect the vocal cords, while the vocal folds vibrate to create sound during phonation.

What happens to the larynx during quiet breathing versus phonation?

During quiet breathing, the laryngeal inlet (aditus laryngis), vestibular folds (Rima vestibuli), and glottis (Rima glottidis) are open, allowing air to pass freely. During phonation, the arytenoid cartilages adduct, and the vocal cords close, creating vibrations for sound production.