The term "arteria cricothyreoidea" is a medical term that refers to an artery in the neck that supplies blood to the larynx. The spelling of this word, as with most medical terms, is derived from Latin and Greek roots. The phonetic transcription of this word in IPA would be /ɑrˈtɛriə ˌkrɑɪkoʊˌθaɪriˈɔɪdiə/. The first two syllables are pronounced "ar-ter," followed by "i-a" and "crico," which is then followed by "thyreoidea." This complex term can be broken down into its individual roots to better understand its meaning.
The term "arteria cricothyreoidea" refers to one of the major arterial blood vessels located in the neck region. It specifically denotes the artery known as the superior thyroid artery.
The arteria cricothyreoidea is a branch of the external carotid artery, arising just above the level of the superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage. It descends towards the larynx, supplying vital oxygenated blood to the structures located in this region. More precisely, it courses along the medial surface of the thyroid gland, sending branches to its superior portion and ultimately reaching the cricothyroid muscle.
This artery possesses an essential role in maintaining the normal functioning of the laryngeal structures. It supplies vital oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, tissues, and glands in this area, playing a crucial role in vocalization and swallowing processes. In case of any damage or obstruction to this artery, it may lead to impaired blood flow, potentially causing ischemia (insufficient blood supply) and subsequent tissue damage.
The knowledge and understanding of the arteria cricothyreoidea are of great significance in various medical fields, such as anatomy, surgery, and interventional radiology. Its precise identification and preservation are important during surgical procedures involving the neck and laryngeal region. Moreover, the assessment of its blood flow and potential pathological alterations becomes essential in diagnosing and treating various vascular conditions affecting the upper neck and laryngeal structures.
Cricothyroid artery, a small branch of the a. thyreoidea superior crossing the cricothyroid membrane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "arteria cricothyreoidea" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The term "arteria" comes from the Latin word "arteria", meaning "airpipe, artery". It originally stems from the Greek word "artēria" which means "windpipe, artery".
"Cricothyreoidea" is a compound term composed of two parts. "Crico-" derives from the Greek word "krikos", which means "ring, circle". "Thyreoeides" is also of Greek origin, being derived from the term "thyreoeidēs", meaning "shaped like a shield".
Therefore, "arteria cricothyreoidea" refers to the artery that supplies blood to the cricothyroid muscle, which is a pair of small muscles in the throat involved in vocalization and speech.