Cricotracheostomy is performed at which location relative to laryngeal cartilages?

Prepare for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Oral Boards. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

Cricotracheostomy is done through the cricothyroid membrane, which sits in front of the airway between the laryngeal cartilages—the thyroid cartilage lies just above, and the cricoid cartilage lies just below. So the tube is placed by entering the membrane that is inferior to the thyroid cartilage and superior to the cricoid cartilage, providing rapid access to the trachea without passing through the vocal cords. That’s why the correct location is described as between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages.