The term "cartilago innominata" refers to an anatomical structure in the human body, also known as the "Wrisberg cartilage." The spelling of this term can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: /kɑːrtəˈleɪɡoʊ ɪˌnɑmɪˈneɪtə/. The "c" is pronounced like a "k," the "g" is a "hard g" sound, and the "t" is pronounced like a "tuh." The "a" and "o" vowels are both elongated, and the stress is placed on the second syllable.
Cartilago innominata, also known as innominate cartilage, is a term used in anatomy to describe a structure that is present in the anterior region of the larynx. It is a relatively small, oval-shaped cartilaginous structure located between the thyroid cartilage (the largest cartilage in the larynx) and the cricoid cartilage (a ring-shaped cartilage just below the thyroid cartilage).
The cartilago innominata is made up of fibrous and elastic cartilage, which give it both strength and flexibility. It is situated in the central area of the larynx, close to the vocal cords. Its precise function is not well understood, but it is believed to play a role in supporting and stabilizing the other cartilages of the larynx.
This cartilaginous structure has no direct attachments to muscles, and its movement is dependent on the actions of the surrounding muscles and other laryngeal cartilages. It is often described as having a relatively immobile position compared to the thyroid and cricoid cartilages.
The term "cartilago innominata" is derived from Latin, with "cartilago" meaning cartilage and "innominata" meaning unnamed or unknown. This term highlights the historical ambiguity and lack of knowledge regarding the exact function and role of this particular cartilage within the larynx.
C. cricoidea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cartilago innominata" is derived from Latin. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Cartilago: It derives from the Latin word "cartilago", which means "cartilage" in English. This word is used to refer to a strong and flexible connective tissue that is found in various parts of the body, such as the nose, ears, and joints.
2. Innominata: This word consists of two Latin elements - "in" and "nominata":
- In: In Latin, "in" is a preposition that means "not" or "without".
- Nominata: This comes from the Latin verb "nominare", which means "to name" or "to call". The past participle form of this verb is "nominatus", which means "named" or "called".