The spelling of the word "ciliary cartilage" can be a bit tricky to decipher when trying to pronounce it correctly. This is due to the fact that the word is made up of both Latin and English roots. The "ciliary" part comes from the Latin word "cilia", meaning "eyelash". While "cartilage" is an English word that refers to flexible connective tissue. When pronounced, the word is spelled phonetically as /ˈsɪliəri ˈkɑrtəlɪdʒ/.
Ciliary cartilage is a type of hyaline cartilage that is found in the larynx, specifically surrounding the upper tracheal rings. It is characterized by its distinct ring-like shape and is located above the trachea. Ciliary cartilage gets its name from its resemblance to eyelashes, as the word "ciliary" means "pertaining to the eyelashes."
This cartilage provides support and stability to the upper trachea while also allowing for flexibility and movement during swallowing and phonation, which is the production of sound in the larynx. Its ring-like structure helps maintain the patency of the airway and prevents the trachea from collapsing during breathing.
The ciliary cartilage is continuous with the thyroid cartilage above it and the tracheal cartilage below it. It is composed of chondrocytes, specialized cells within the cartilage matrix, and a dense fibrous connective tissue. It lacks a perichondrium, which is a layer of dense connective tissue that surrounds most cartilages.
The ciliary cartilage, along with other cartilages of the larynx, forms a framework that supports the vocal folds and other structures involved in phonation. It also serves as a protective barrier for the trachea, preventing the inhalation of foreign objects or obstruction of the airway.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "ciliary" is derived from the Latin word "cilia", which means "eyebrows". It is related to the Latin word "cilĭum", meaning "eyelid". The term "ciliary" is used to describe structures or processes related to the eyelids or eyelashes.
The word "cartilage" is derived from the Latin word "cartilăgo", which means "gristle". It refers to a firm, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including the nose, ears, and joints.
Therefore, the term "ciliary cartilage" refers to the cartilage found in the eyelids or eyelashes, specifically the cartilaginous framework that gives shape and support to the upper and lower eyelids.