Abstract

Puncture of the cricothyroid membrane is a component of several clinical procedures. Among the several complications are the immediate risk of bleeding, long-term risk of subglottic stenosis and hoarseness of voice. Presence of blood vessels in the cricothyroid membrane has also been implicated in the extra-laryngeal spread of laryngeal cancers. Though various authors have described the attachments of the cricothyroid membrane, very few have studied its histology. We studied the histology of the cricothyroid membrane using hematoxylin and eosin, Mallory's trichrome and Verhoeff's special stain. The cricothyroid membrane was found to be continuous on its deeper aspect with the mucosa of the subglottic larynx and lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. The membrane was observed to be fibroelastic, containing equal proportions of collagen and elastic fibers and numerous fibroblast nuclei. Numerous blood vessels are seen traversing through the membrane, which probably connect intralaryngeal with other extralaryngeal vessels. These histological findings help to further understand the complications of cricothyroidotomy and spread of laryngeal cancer.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.