Is the thyroid protected by cartilage?

The thyroid cartilage is a firm and resilient structure, composed entirely of hyaline cartilage, which serves to protect and support the vocal cords. Additionally, it participates in the modulation of voice and serves as the attachment point for several ligaments and muscles of the larynx and neck.

What is the thyroid cartilage for?

The tough, flexible tissue that forms the front part of the larynx (voice box). It supports and protects the vocal cords and helps create the sound of a person’s voice. The thyroid cartilage also forms the Adam’s apple, which often appears as a lump on the front of the neck.

Is thyroid cartilage the same as thyroid gland?

Despite its name, the thyroid cartilage has nothing to do with the thyroid gland or its processes. It plays a role in the production of the human voice, providing protection and support for the vocal folds.

What is in front of the thyroid cartilage?

front set of plates, called thyroid cartilage, has a central ridge and elevation commonly known as the Adam’s apple. The plates tend to be replaced by bone cells beginning from about 20 years of age onward. … cartilage of the larynx, the thyroid cartilage, is made of two plates fused anteriorly in the midline.

Can thyroid cartilage move?

The thyroid cartilage lies anterior to the C4–C5 vertebrae. With the neck in a neutral position, the thyroid cartilage can be moved easily. In extension, it is tight and crepitations may be felt. Adjacent to the cartilage is the thyroid gland, which the examiner should palpate.

When does thyroid cartilage appear?

The thyroid cartilage is a part of the laryngeal cartilaginous complex and may undergo calcification or endochondral ossification (or both), thereby becoming visible radiographically. Usually, ossification is visible only in individuals over the age of 20 years.

Is thyroid gland attached to thyroid cartilage?

In its anatomic position, the thyroid gland lies posterior to the sternothyroid and sternohyoid muscles, wrapping around the cricoid cartilage and tracheal rings. It is located inferior to the laryngeal thyroid cartilage, typically corresponding to the vertebral levels C5-T1.

Does thyroid cartilage move when you swallow?

Ask the patient to swallow and remember that the thyroid is attached to the trachea. During swallowing, both will move upward. This helps to distinguish the thyroid from other neck masses, which will tend NOT to move with swallowing.

Can you damage your thyroid cartilage?

Isolated thyroid cartilage fracture is a rare event. 1,2In the past, thyroid cartilage fracture was thought to result solely from external neck impaction. Blunt force trauma is the usual mechanism of injury.

How is thyroid cartilage repaired?

All displaced fractures of the thyroid cartilage should undergo open reduction via a low cervical thyroidectomy incision and should be realigned with a miniplate, wire, or non-absorbable monofilament suture.

What is the differential diagnosis of thyroid cartilage lesions?

The differential diagnosis of thyroid cartilage lesions includes chondrosarcomas and chondromas. In these cases, abnormalities are visible on fiberoptic laryngoscopy, CT and MRI. Rare cases of degenerative cysts of the thyroid cartilage were reported in patients with a history of neck trauma(3).

What is the wound age of a thyroid cartilage lesion?

However, the existence of a line of enchondral ossification and the distinctly linear aspect of the edges of the thyroid cartilage lesion suggests a wound age of 3–6 weeks antemortem. This allows us to exclude its involvement in the immediate causes and circumstances of this death.

Is the left superior horn of the thyroid cartilage damaged?

No macroscopic injury was found on the left superior horn of the thyroid cartilage. The hyoid bone was separated from the other cartilages of the larynx and showed no sign of traumatic injury. These neck structures did not show a noticeable displacement, despite the notch on the thyroid cartilage. The trachea and the oesophagus were intact.

What does demineralization of the thyroid cartilage indicate?

If the thyroid cartilage was ossified, demineralization due to chronic pressure from the cyst can mimic cartilage erosion on imaging ( Fig.19B ) (26-29).