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Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

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Cricoid cartilage<br />

<strong>The</strong> cricoid is a circumferential ring of cartilage in the trachea at the level of the sixth cervical<br />

vertebra in adults In children, it is at the level of the 4th cervical vertebra.<br />

It is significant because it is the only tracheal ring that is complete, the other ones being open<br />

posteriorly (horseshoe-shaped). <strong>The</strong> importance of the cricoid cartilage is that when pressure<br />

is applied to it (anteriorly), its posterior aspect will occlude the esophagus.<br />

Cricoid pressure (Sellick’s manoeuvre) is used to reduce the risk of aspiration in susceptible<br />

patients.<br />

Related Glossary Terms<br />

Aspiration, Clear fluids, Larynx, Needle cricothyrotomy, NPO, Rapid sequence induction,<br />

Sellick’s maneuver, Subglottis<br />

Index<br />

Find Term<br />

Chapter 1 - Airway Management<br />

Chapter 3 - General <strong>Anesthesia</strong><br />

Chapter 3 - General <strong>Anesthesia</strong><br />

Chapter 5 - Obstetrical <strong>Anesthesia</strong><br />

Chapter 5 - Obstetrical <strong>Anesthesia</strong><br />

Chapter 5 - Pediatric <strong>Anesthesia</strong>

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