Which of the following statements regarding the cartilaginous framework of the larynx is correct?
- A The thyroid cartilage forms a complete ring around the airway
- B The epiglottis is a hyaline cartilage attached to the cricoid cartilage
- C The cricoid cartilage is the only cartilage of the larynx that completely encircles the airway ✓
- D The arytenoid cartilages articulate with the thyroid cartilage
Correct answer: C. The cricoid cartilage is the only cartilage of the larynx that completely encircles the airway
Explanation
The cricoid is a signet-ring shaped cartilage, complete both anteriorly and posteriorly, and is the only laryngeal cartilage to fully encircle the airway. This completeness means circumferential subglottic oedema cannot decompress laterally, making the subglottis the narrowest part of the paediatric airway. The thyroid cartilage is open posteriorly, the epiglottis is elastic fibrocartilage attached to the thyroid cartilage by the thyroepiglottic ligament, and the arytenoids articulate with the cricoid, not the thyroid.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
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