European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background:Cricoid cartilage supports larynx and trachea. It has the form of a ring with the lower part of the signet omitted. It is smaller than thyroid cartilage, but it is thicker and tougher. Knowledge of anatomy of this cartilage is essential for those working in the field of larynx. The present study was conducted to obtain morphological data regarding human cricoid cartilage.
Materials and Methods: The present observational study included 28 adult cadaveric larynges. The laryngeal framework was carefully resected from the cricoid cartilage. Soft tissues (ligaments and muscles) were removed with care. Various morphometric characteristics were measured using an electronic Vernier calliper. The results were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2010.
Results: The average morphometric measurements were higher in males as compared to females. The inner transverse diameter of cricoid cartilage was greater than the inner anteroposterior diameter.
Conclusion: The cricoid cartilage's wide range of sizes and forms makes it difficult to standardize the firm stents used for intubation. This might be related to differences in body types between different populations, as well as race and ethnicity.