Cricothyroid ligament

The cricothyroid ligament is a ligament in the larynx. It connects the cricoid cartilage to the thyroid cartilage. It prevents these cartilages from moving too far apart. It is cut during an emergency cricothyrotomy to treat upper airway obstruction.

Structure

The cricothyroid ligament is composed of two parts:

the median cricothyroid ligament along the midline. It is a flat band of white connective tissue that connects the front parts of the contiguous margins of the cricoid and thyroid cartilages. It is a thick and strong ligament, narrow above and broad below. Each lateral ligament is known as the conus elasticus.
the lateral cricothyroid ligaments on each side. Each is overlapped on either side by laryngeal muscles.

The conus elasticus is the lateral portion of the cricothyroid ligament. The lateral portions are thinner and lie close under the mucous membrane of the larynx; they extend from the upper border of the cricoid cartilage to the lower margin of the vocal ligaments, with which they are continuous. The vocal ligaments may therefore be regarded as the free borders of each conus elasticus. They extend from the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages to the angle of the thyroid cartilage about midway between its upper and lower borders.

Relations

The prelaryngeal lymph node sits anterior to the median cricothyroid ligament.

Function

The cricothyroid ligament prevents the cricoid cartilage and the thyroid cartilage from moving too far apart.

Clinical significance

The cricothyroid ligament is cut during an emergency cricothyrotomy. This kind of surgical intervention is necessary during airway obstruction above the level of vocal folds.

History

The cricothyroid ligament is named after the two structures it connects: the cricoid cartilage and the thyroid cartilage. It is also known as the cricothyroid membrane, and the cricovocal membrane. The various parts of the cricothyroid ligament have been named in many different ways, which can cause confusion.

Other animals

The cricothyroid ligament can be found in many other animals, such as cats, dogs, and horses. The trachea can be accessed through the cricothyroid ligament, such as for aspiration. It can be an important landmark.