The larynx (voice box) is the modified part of the respiratory tract sitting above the trachea and suspended from the hyoid bone. It consists of several cartilages that form the laryngeal skeleton, connected by the laryngeal membranes. Its main functions are: A protective sphincter for the rest of the airway Phonation (speech generation), involving modifying airflow through the vocal cords controlled by the intrinsic muscles … Continue reading Larynx
Swallowing is the process by which food from the mouth enters the oesophagus via the pharynx. It occurs in a specific sequence of phases to prevent food from entering the airway. Oral phase Mastication and moistening by saliva forms a soft and wet mass known as a bolus. The tongue forms a longitudinal trough (mediated by intrinsic muscles) and then is pushed up against the … Continue reading Swallowing
Extrinsic laryngeal muscles move the position of the larynx and are divided into the elevators and depressors. This may be useful for closing the laryngeal inlet when swallowing and for phonation Elevators of the larynx These muscles move the larynx upwards to close the laryngeal inlet during swallowing. Since they larynx is connected to they hyoid, elevator muscles can act: via the hyoid: the suprahyoid … Continue reading Extrinsic laryngeal muscles
The masseter, temporalis as well as medial and lateral pterygoid muscles primarily mediate mastication. They are all innervated by the mandibular nerve (CN Vc). The masseter, temporalis and medial pterygoid elevate the mandible while lateral pterygoid is the only muscle that depresses the mandible: Masseter arises from the zygomatic arch and inserts into the lateral aspect of the ramus and angle of the mandible. Temporalis … Continue reading Mastication muscles
The oral cavity (mouth) is the first part of the alimentary canal where food undergoes preliminary breakdown. It consists of the vestibule (between the lips/cheeks externally and the gums/teeth internally) and the oral cavity proper which is bounded by the teeth/gums, palate and tongue. It opens posteriorly into the oropharynx via an area known as the fauces. Lateral walls The lateral walls of the oral … Continue reading Oral cavity (mouth)
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