Where it is
In the front of the neck at about C4–C6. The thyroid cartilage forms the Adam's apple; the cricoid cartilage is the only complete ring, just below it.
What it does
The epiglottis folds over the larynx during swallowing to keep food out of the airway. The vocal cords vibrate to produce sound and close tightly to protect the lungs.
Clinical relevance
- Stridor (a high-pitched sound on inspiration) signals upper airway obstruction.
- Laryngeal edema can follow anaphylaxis, burns or extubation.
- An emergency cricothyrotomy is made through the cricothyroid membrane.
Nursing focus
- After extubation or neck surgery, report hoarseness that worsens, stridor or difficulty breathing immediately.