The spelling of "cartilago thyreoidea" may seem daunting at first, but with the help of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it's easier to understand. "Cartilago" is pronounced as "kar-ti-lah-goh" with emphasis on the second syllable. "Thyreoidea" is pronounced as "thai-ree-oh-i-dee-uh" with emphasis on the first syllable. The spelling of this Latin phrase stems from the words "cartilage" and "thyroid." It refers to the cartilaginous structure that surrounds the thyroid gland. Familiarizing oneself with the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is essential for effective communication in the healthcare field.
Cartilago thyreoidea, commonly known as the thyroid cartilage, is a large, unpaired cartilage that forms the front part of the larynx or voice box in humans. It is situated in the neck region, just below the hyoid bone. The thyroid cartilage is composed of a firm, flexible, and elastic connective tissue called hyaline cartilage.
In terms of structure, the cartilage is shaped like a shield or a "V," with a wide, upper part known as the lamina and a lower, narrow part called the superior thyroid horns. The thyroid cartilage serves as a protective covering for the anterior larynx and provides support and structure for the vocal folds.
The most prominent feature of the thyroid cartilage is the laryngeal prominence, often referred to as the Adam's apple. This bulge is more prominent in males due to hormonal differences and can vary in size and prominence between individuals. It can be felt in the midline of the neck and serves as a landmark in medical examinations and surgical procedures.
The cartilago thyreoidea plays a crucial role in protecting the larynx and housing the vocal folds, which are responsible for producing sound during speech and singing. It also contributes to the characteristic deepening of the voice during puberty in males, as it undergoes growth and ossification. Overall, the cartilago thyreoidea has both structural and functional significance in the human respiratory and phonatory mechanisms.
Thyroid cartilage, the largest of the cartilages of the larynx; it is formed of two approximately quadrilateral plates (alae) joined anteriorly at an angle of from 90° to 120°, the prominence so formed constituting the pomum Adami; the posterior margins of the alae are nearly straight and terminate above and below in horn-like extensions (cornua); on the outer surface of each plate is a smooth ridge (linea obliqua) connecting the superior and inferior tubercula (see tuberculum thyreoideum).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "cartilago thyreoidea" has Latin origins. Here is the breakdown:
1. Cartilago: This Latin word means "cartilage". It refers to a tough, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including the respiratory tract, joints, and ears.
2. Thyreoidea: Also derived from Latin, "thyreoidea" pertains to the thyroid gland, which is located in the lower part of the neck. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism.
Therefore, "cartilago thyreoidea" can be translated to mean "thyroid cartilage". The term describes a specific piece of cartilage in the human larynx, commonly known as Adam's apple.