What is the vertebral level of the cricoid cartilage?

• A. CV4
• B. CV5
• C. CV6
• D. CV7

Answer: (C)

The cricoid cartilage sits at the lower end of the larynx and marks the transition to the trachea, lying opposite the sixth cervical vertebra. It is the only laryngeal cartilage that forms a complete ring around the airway, with the thyroid cartilage anteriorly and the first tracheal ring just below it. In a typical adult neck, the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage aligns with the C6 level, making it the standard vertebral reference for this structure. This position is clinically relevant for procedures like cricoid pressure during induction, which targets this level. The hyoid bone is higher (around C3), and the thyroid cartilage lies around C4, so the cricoid is distinctly at C6.