What is the shape of the cricoid cartilage?

The cricoid cartilage has a distinctive shape often described as resembling a signet ring, which is wider in the front and narrower in the back. This shape is significant for its structural role in the larynx. The broader anterior portion, known as the arch, provides a stable base for the thyroid cartilage and supports the laryngeal framework. The narrower posterior portion, called the lamina, helps form the airway to the trachea and serves as an attachment point for various muscles and ligaments involved in voice production and airway protection. This unique configuration allows the cricoid cartilage to function effectively in both respiration and phonation, making it a critical component of the respiratory system.