THYROID CARTILAGE Meaning and
Definition
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The thyroid cartilage is a prominent structure located in the upper part of the neck, forming the largest piece of the larynx, commonly known as the Adam's apple. It serves as a protective framework for the vocal cords and contributes to several important functions in the respiratory and phonatory systems.
Composed of hyaline cartilage, the thyroid cartilage consists of two fused plates that form a broad, shield-like structure. It provides support and protection to the vocal cords, preventing damage to these delicate structures during swallowing or external pressure. The cartilage forms a visible protrusion in the throat, more prominent in males due to hormonal effects during puberty.
The thyroid cartilage also plays a crucial role in regulating the pitch and volume of the voice. It contains the vocal folds, which are two bands of tissue that stretch horizontally across the larynx. Contraction and relaxation of the muscles attached to the thyroid cartilage cause the vocal cords to adjust their tension, determining the pitch of the voice. This cartilage's flexibility allows different degrees of movement and thus modulates the production of sound during speech or singing.
In addition to its function in voice production, the thyroid cartilage assists in the protection of the airway. It acts as a shield, preventing foreign objects from entering the trachea and lungs when swallowing or breathing. Its shape and position contribute to maintaining an open, unobstructed passage for airflow, facilitating efficient respiration.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYROID CARTILAGE
- rhyroid cartilage
- fhyroid cartilage
- ghyroid cartilage
- yhyroid cartilage
- 6hyroid cartilage
- 5hyroid cartilage
- tgyroid cartilage
- tbyroid cartilage
- tnyroid cartilage
- tjyroid cartilage
- tuyroid cartilage
- tyyroid cartilage
- thtroid cartilage
- thgroid cartilage
- thhroid cartilage
- thuroid cartilage
- th7roid cartilage
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- thyeoid cartilage
Etymology of THYROID CARTILAGE
The word "thyroid cartilage" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term "thyroid" originates from the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", meaning "shield-shaped". It refers to the shape of the cartilage, which resembles a shield.
The word "cartilage" comes from the Latin word "cartilago", which means "gristle" or "firmness". It refers to the tough, flexible tissue that makes up the structure of the thyroid cartilage.
