CRICOTHYROID Meaning and
Definition
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The cricothyroid is a small muscle located in the neck that plays a crucial role in the production of sound during vocalization. It is often referred to as the cricothyroid muscle or cricothyroid tensor. The term "cricothyroid" is derived from the combination of two anatomical structures, the cricoid cartilage and the thyroid cartilage, to which this muscle attaches.
The cricothyroid muscle is responsible for controlling the tension of the vocal cords, which are located within the larynx. When this muscle contracts, it causes the vocal cords to stretch and tighten. This action leads to an increase in pitch or frequency of the voice. Conversely, when the cricothyroid muscle relaxes, the vocal cords become looser, resulting in a lower pitch or frequency of the voice.
The main function of the cricothyroid muscle is to regulate voice intonation and pitch modulation. It works in coordination with other muscles in the larynx to adjust the length and tension of the vocal cords, allowing individuals to produce a wide range of voice tones and pitches.
Dysfunction or damage to the cricothyroid muscle can lead to voice disorders, such as hoarseness or difficulty in controlling pitch. This muscle is also important in medical procedures related to the airway, such as cricothyrotomy, a procedure used in emergency situations to secure an airway when traditional methods are not feasible.
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Relating to the cricoid and thyroid cartilages.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRICOTHYROID
- xricothyroid
- vricothyroid
- fricothyroid
- dricothyroid
- ceicothyroid
- cdicothyroid
- cficothyroid
- cticothyroid
- c5icothyroid
- c4icothyroid
- crucothyroid
- crjcothyroid
- crkcothyroid
- crocothyroid
- cr9cothyroid
- cr8cothyroid
- crixothyroid
- crivothyroid
- crifothyroid
- cridothyroid
Etymology of CRICOTHYROID
The word "cricothyroid" is of Greek origin. It can be broken down into two parts: "crico" and "thyroid".
The first part, "crico", comes from the Greek word "krikos" (κρίκος), which means "ring". It refers to the cricoid cartilage, which is a ring-like cartilaginous structure that forms the lower part of the larynx (voice box).
The second part, "thyroid", comes from the Greek word "thyreos" (θυρεός), meaning "shield". It refers to the thyroid cartilage, which is a cartilaginous structure that forms the Adam's apple in the front part of the larynx.
So, "cricothyroid" essentially means the connection or relationship between the cricoid and thyroid cartilages in the larynx.
