Intrinsic laryngeal movements

Four principal functional roles of the larynx:

  • Phonation = movement of arytenoids
  • Sphincteric
  • Coughing
  • Breath-holding whilst straining (vocal cord adduction)
  • Role of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in supply to the intrinsic muscles
  • The clinical effects of partial & complete recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis
  • Details of the supply to the mucous membrane and of laryngeal blood supply are NOT required

Extrinsic muscles

  • Appreciation of the need for elevators & depressors to effect swallowing: individual muscle names & actions not required