CRICOTHYROID MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
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The cricothyroid membrane refers to a small, thin, and rubbery structure in the throat that connects the cricoid cartilage with the thyroid cartilage. It is located between the two main cartilages of the larynx, specifically positioned at the midline of the front of the neck.
The cricothyroid membrane is essential for the proper functioning of the vocal cords and voice production. It acts as a vital landmark for certain medical procedures that involve accessing the airway. In emergency situations where the upper airway is compromised, healthcare professionals may perform an emergency airway procedure called a cricothyrotomy or cricothyroidotomy by making an incision through this membrane. This procedure can be life-saving as it allows for immediate ventilation until a more definitive airway can be established.
In addition to its clinical importance, the cricothyroid membrane is also significant in the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the throat. It plays a crucial role in vocal cord tensioning and voice modulation. The cricothyroid muscle, which attaches to this membrane, is responsible for controlling the pitch of the voice by stretching or relaxing the vocal cords.
Overall, the cricothyroid membrane serves as a critical anatomical and functional structure in the throat and plays a role in medical procedures, voice production, and voice modulation.
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Membrana cricothyreoidea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRICOTHYROID MEMBRANE
- c ricothyroid membrane
- cr icothyroid membrane
- cri cothyroid membrane
- cric othyroid membrane
- crico thyroid membrane
- cricot hyroid membrane
- cricoth yroid membrane
- cricothy roid membrane
- cricothyr oid membrane
- cricothyro id membrane
- cricothyroi d membrane
- cricothyroid m embrane
- cricothyroid me mbrane
- cricothyroid mem brane
- cricothyroid memb rane
- cricothyroid membr ane
- cricothyroid membra ne
- cricothyroid membran e
Etymology of CRICOTHYROID MEMBRANE
The word "cricothyroid membrane" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The term "crico-" comes from the Greek word "krikos", meaning "ring", referring to the cricoid cartilage, which is a ring-shaped cartilage in the larynx.
The word "thyroid" comes from the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", which means "shield-shaped" or "like a door", referring to the shape of the thyroid cartilage, which is commonly referred to as the Adam's apple.
The term "membrane" comes from the Latin word "membrāna", which means "thin layer" or "covering".
So, "cricothyroid membrane" can be understood as the thin layer or covering between the cricoid and thyroid cartilages in the larynx.
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