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cricothyroid

cricothyroid

1 9.8
Relating to the cricoid and thyroid cartilages at the front of the neck
  • adjective
  • /ˌkraɪkoʊˈθaɪrɔɪd/
  • Specialized
: cricotiroideo
  • Anatomical studies often focus on the cricothyroid region to better understand voice production.
  • cricothyroid muscle

Examples

  • Surgeons must be careful not to damage the cricothyroid structure while operating in the neck area.

  • These findings suggest either deep thyroarytenoid muscle or cricothyroid joint involvement.

    Academic text (1999)
  • To achieve EBSLN monitoring, needle electrodes are placed into the cricothyroid muscle.

    Academic text (2005)
  • If indicated, electrodes may be placed in the cricothyroid muscle to detect any dysfunction of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The EBSLN was monitored in all four cases by bipolar electromyographic (EMG) needle electrodes placed in the cricothyroid muscle.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The cricothyroid muscle helps adjust tension in the vocal cords during singing.

Surface Forms

cricothyroid positive

Morphology

cricothyroid = cricoid + thyroid (transparent) = crico + thyroid

Formed by combining the two medical nouns 'cricoid' and 'thyroid' (via the combining form 'crico-'), so the meaning 'relating to both' is directly compositional.

Etymology

Cricothyroid comes from two parts: crico- ('ring') and thyroid ('shield'). It names the spot between the ring-shaped cricoid and the shield-shaped thyroid cartilages in the neck, so it means something relating to that area.