During cricothyroidotomy, the surgeon incises the cricothyroid membrane. Which vessels and nerve normally pierce this membrane?
- A Superior thyroid artery and external laryngeal nerve
- B Superior laryngeal artery and internal laryngeal nerve ✓
- C Inferior thyroid artery and recurrent laryngeal nerve
- D Cricothyroid artery and ansa cervicalis
Correct answer: B. Superior laryngeal artery and internal laryngeal nerve
Explanation
The thyrohyoid membrane (between thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone) is pierced by the superior laryngeal artery and the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The cricothyroid membrane is relatively avascular centrally, which is why it is the preferred emergency airway site. Options A and D confuse the thyrohyoid with the cricothyroid membrane.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.