Cricoid

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Cricoid

Cricoid (/ˈkraɪ.kɔɪd/), also known as the cricoid cartilage, is the only complete ring of cartilage around the trachea. It is located in the larynx, below the thyroid cartilage and above the trachea.

Etymology

The term "cricoid" comes from the Greek words "krikos" meaning "ring" and "eidos" meaning "form" or "shape". This is due to the ring-like shape of the cricoid cartilage.

Anatomy

The cricoid is the lowermost part of the larynx and forms a complete ring of cartilage. It is shaped like a signet ring, with the broad part (lamina) facing posteriorly and the narrow part (arch) facing anteriorly. The cricoid articulates with the arytenoid cartilages on its superior border and with the first tracheal ring at its inferior border.

Function

The primary function of the cricoid is to provide support to the larynx and maintain the patency of the airway. It also serves as a site of attachment for muscles, ligaments, and membranes involved in the movement of the larynx and in the production of speech.

Related Terms

  • Larynx: The hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords in humans and other mammals; the voice box.
  • Trachea: The large airway that leads from the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs.
  • Arytenoid cartilages: A pair of small three-sided pyramids which form part of the larynx, to which the vocal cords are attached.
  • Thyroid cartilage: The largest of the nine cartilages that make up the laryngeal skeleton, the cartilage structure in and around the trachea that contains the larynx.

External links

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