The thyroid cartilage is a single formation that is present in the throat of every person. It is not difficult to guess its function. Cartilage protects vital organs, arteries in the throat and neck from damage, injury and displacement.
The structure of the thyroid cartilage
The material of which the formation in question consists is called hyaline. The cartilage itself is smooth and vitreous. It cannot be called dense, and the consistency is more like a thick gel. The elasticity of the formation is due to the presence of collagen fibers in it.
The thyroid cartilage consists of several plates, and also has various processes and tendrils. Of course, in order for it to stay in place all the time, bones and other cartilage help to form. For example, the cricoid and thyroid cartilage are closely related, since the first cartilage serves as the lower support for the thyroid.
Over time, the human thyroid cartilage gradually hardens and becomes overgrown with bone tissue. In men, this occurs at the age of 16, and in women, this process is slightly delayed. Also, in older people, the thyroid cartilage is much thinner and softer than in young people, which indicates a decrease in itsprotective functions.
Don't confuse the thyroid cartilage with the thyroid gland. They have only a similar shape, from which they received the same root names. Cartilage has nothing to do with the functioning of the endocrine system.
Its main and connecting functions
It is worth noting that education has not only basic, but also connecting functions.
Main:
- connective;
- reference;
- protective.
Connectors:
- hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are connected by plates;
- formation connects to the arytenoid cartilage; vocal and vestibular cords pass nearby;
- also the cartilage is located next to the epiglottis; there is a tight bond between them.
What is an Adam's apple?
Adam's apple is a protruding part of the neck that only men have. This formation appears due to the large amount of testosterone, which is rightfully considered the hormone of the stronger sex.
The Adam's apple itself has nothing to do with the thyroid gland. This formation is the thyroid cartilage. The functions of the Adam's apple, respectively, are the same. That is, it protects the important organs of the neck from external factors.
It is worth noting that there are a large number of nerve endings on the Adam's apple, and inaccurate movements or a blow to it can cause severe and sharp pain in a man.
Adam's apple functions
As mentioned above, the functions of the thyroid cartilage andAdam's apples are the same, but there is still a difference between them.
- Adam's apple helps with swallowing food. When swallowed, it blocks the airway, and pieces of food fall exclusively into the esophagus.
- Also, education is actively involved in the system of extracting sounds with the vocal cords, as it is in close connection with them.
- Adam's apple is mobile. It is this function that affects the formation of a low timbre of voice, which is inherent in men.
- And finally, the Adam's apple is considered a sign of masculinity.
Cause of thyroid cartilage pain
It happens that a person begins to experience pain during palpation of the thyroid cartilage. This condition is considered pathological and the patient can safely turn to a specialist for a diagnosis.
There are several main reasons why thyroid cartilage hurts:
Also, cartilage can hurt due to the effects of the flu, past illnesses, etc., but in any case, only a doctor should make a diagnosis.
Most often education hurts due to thyroiditis. It can occur in a chronic or acute form. But the chronic form is extremely rare, since severe pain torments the patient at the initial stage of the disease.
Acute thyroiditis causes extremely unpleasant sensations on palpation of the thyroidcartilage. Almost immediately, it swells up, and the inflammation captures the front surface of the neck. In addition to an increase in the size of the cartilage, the patient complains of poor he alth, weakness and increased body temperature.
In chronic thyroiditis, fibrous tissue grows. The lump begins to put pressure on the cartilage area, thereby causing discomfort. It is not difficult to guess that in the chronic form of the disease, the pain is more of a pulling and pressing character.
Malignant tumor of the thyroid cartilage
A cancerous tumor very rarely affects the thyroid cartilage, however, if pain occurs, such a terrible pathology should not be ruled out. It is worth noting that for a long time oncology may not manifest itself in any way and not give any metastases. Although thyroid cartilage cancer is rare, there are some factors that increase the chance of it occurring.
Risk factors:
- exposure with radiation;
- radiotherapy to the brain or neck;
- age over 40;
- heredity;
- frequent stress;
- bad habits.
With a malignant tumor of the thyroid cartilage, the patient often experiences discomfort during palpation, and pain often radiates to the ear and face. In addition, the patient may have difficulty swallowing food, leading to malnutrition, complain of a paroxysmal cough, and feel a foreign body in the throat.
Injury
Consequenceinjury to the formation can be a fracture of the thyroid cartilage. This is a serious injury and should only be treated under medical supervision.
Fracture symptoms:
- severe pain;
- puffiness;
- hemorrhage in the area of injury;
- emphysema.
Before prescribing treatment, the doctor must assess how dangerous the fracture was and what other organs were affected.
In case of a simple fracture, the neck must be immobilized, the load removed, and the victim should be completely at rest. Painkillers can be prescribed if severe pain occurs.
Another terrible consequence of a fracture of the thyroid cartilage can be damage to the vocal cords or their stretching. The symptomatology remains the same, but it can also join:
- hoarse voice;
- feeling like a lump in the throat;
- strong perspiration;
- cough.
If a patient has been diagnosed with a sprain, then no specific treatment is prescribed, except that the patient is advised to minimize talking and tension in the throat. If an anguish was fixed, then medical treatment is applied. The patient is prescribed antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as painkillers. Sometimes even surgery may be needed.
Maintaining he althy thyroid cartilage
Many people do not even think about how to maintain he althy thyroid cartilagecondition. Indeed, there are not many rules:
- visiting an ENT doctor (examination is recommended once a year);
- keep a he althy lifestyle;
- training the muscles and ligaments of the neck;
- smoking restriction;
- injury prevention.
Also, experts strongly recommend that their patients seek an appointment for any complaints, especially if they are pain. Do not ignore even the slightest discomfort in the thyroid cartilage. Indeed, it is not uncommon for a malignant tumor at the first (initial) stage to manifest itself in this way.
