General Anatomy · Respiratory System · Medium

Cricoid

Meaning: The complete ring of cartilage at the bottom of the larynx, just above the windpipe.

In practice: During rapid sequence induction, pressure on the cricoid was once used to reduce aspiration risk.

Quick check

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: A small sac or cavity, such as the fluid-filled sac in the ovary or the pit a hair grows from.

Which word means: Midpoint of the anterior margin of the foramen magnum.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.