Median Cricothyroid Ligament (Ligamentum cricothyroideum medianum)
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Anatomy
The median cricothyroid ligament is a strong, vertical band of dense elastic tissue in the anterior midline of the neck connecting the superior border of the cricoid arch to the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage. Directly accessible subcutaneously between the straight parts of the cricothyroid muscles, it represents the primary anatomical portal for emergency surgical airway access.
Clinical notes
Emergency surgical cricothyroidotomy is performed by incising horizontally through the median cricothyroid ligament in the "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate" crisis to secure immediate life-saving airway ventilation.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Median Cricothyroid Ligament?
The median cricothyroid ligament is a strong, vertical band of dense elastic tissue in the anterior midline of the neck connecting the superior border of the cricoid arch to the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage. Directly accessible subcutaneously between the straight parts of the cricothyroid muscles, it represents the primary anatomical portal for emergency surgical airway access.
Why is the Median Cricothyroid Ligament clinically important?
Emergency surgical cricothyroidotomy is performed by incising horizontally through the median cricothyroid ligament in the "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate" crisis to secure immediate life-saving airway ventilation.
Source & license
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