Cricothyroid ligament
| Cricothyroid ligament | |
|---|---|
 The ligaments of the larynx. Antero-lateral view. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ligamentum cricothyroideum |
| FMA | 55233 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The cricothyroid ligament (also known as the cricothyroid membrane or cricovocal membrane) is a ligament in the neck. It connects the cricoid cartilage to the thyroid cartilage. It prevents these cartilages from moving too far apart. It is cut during an emergency cricothyrotomy to treat upper airway obstruction.
Structure
The cricothyroid ligament is composed of two parts:
- the median cricothyroid ligament along the midline (a thickening of the cricothyroid membrane). It is a flat band of white conus elasticus.
- the lateral cricothyroid ligaments on each side (these are also called conus elasticus). Each is overlapped on either side by laryngeal muscles.
The conus elasticus (which means elastic cone in Latin) is the lateral portion of the cricothyroid ligament.
Relations
The
Function
The cricothyroid ligament prevents the cricoid cartilage and the thyroid cartilage from moving too far apart.
Clinical significance
The cricothyroid ligament is cut during an emergency cricothyrotomy. This kind of surgical intervention is necessary during airway obstruction above the level of vocal folds.
History
The cricothyroid ligament is named after the two structures it connects: the cricoid cartilage and the thyroid cartilage. It is also known as the cricothyroid membrane, and the cricovocal membrane.[3] The various parts of the cricothyroid ligament have been named in many different ways, which can cause confusion.
Other animals
The cricothyroid ligament can be found in many other animals, such as cats,[4] dogs,[4] and horses.[5] The trachea can be accessed through the cricothyroid ligament, such as for aspiration.[4] It can be an important landmark.[5]
Additional images
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Cricothyroid ligament -
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Muscles, nerves and arteries of neck. Deep dissection. Anterior view. -
Cricothyroid ligament
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1078 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
