Thyrohyoid membrane

Thyrohyoid membrane is a broad, fibro-elastic sheet that is located in the neck. It is part of the anatomy of the larynx, and it connects the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone. The thyrohyoid membrane is important in the functioning of the voice box and in the protection of the airway.

Etymology

The term "thyrohyoid" is derived from the Greek words "thyreos" and "hyoeides", which mean "shield" and "shaped like the letter upsilon" respectively. The term "membrane" comes from the Latin "membrana", which means "skin, parchment (skin prepared for writing)".

Anatomy

The thyrohyoid membrane is a broad, fibro-elastic sheet that extends from the upper border of the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone. It is pierced by the superior laryngeal vessels and the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The membrane is thicker in the middle and thinner at the sides. The middle part is often referred to as the median thyrohyoid ligament, while the lateral parts are referred to as the lateral thyrohyoid ligaments.

Function

The thyrohyoid membrane plays a crucial role in the functioning of the larynx. It helps to maintain the position of the larynx in the neck, and it also protects the airway. The membrane is involved in the production of sound, as it vibrates when air passes through the larynx.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the thyrohyoid membrane can lead to difficulties in speaking and swallowing. Such injuries can occur due to trauma to the neck, surgical procedures involving the larynx, or diseases that affect the larynx.

See also

• Thyroid cartilage
• Hyoid bone
• Larynx
• Superior laryngeal nerve
• Superior laryngeal artery

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  Diagram of the larynx showing the thyrohyoid membrane
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  Thyrohyoid membrane in anatomical dissection
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  Thyrohyoid membrane in histological section
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  Thyrohyoid membrane in surgical view
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  Thyrohyoid membrane in radiological image