Select the INCORRECTLY matched pair.

Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024

Explanation

The question requires identifying the anatomically incorrect pairing of a laryngeal cartilage and its shape.
The cricoid cartilage is described as resembling a signet ring, with a narrow anterior arch and a broad posterior lamina.
The term 'cuneiform' refers to a wedge shape, which describes the cuneiform cartilages, not the cricoid cartilage.
Therefore, the pair 'Cuneiform script shape - Cricoid cartilage' is incorrectly matched.

Option A: This is a correctly matched pair. The arytenoid cartilages are small, paired cartilages that are pyramidal in shape.
Option B: This is a correctly matched pair. The thyroid cartilage is the largest laryngeal cartilage and its two laminae fuse to form a shield-like structure.
Option D: This is a correctly matched pair. The epiglottis is a flexible, elastic cartilage that has a distinct oblong leaf shape.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of laryngeal cartilages and their characteristic shapes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate knowledge of laryngeal anatomy is critical for nurses and doctors during airway management procedures.
The thyroid and cricoid cartilages are key landmarks for performing an emergency cricothyroidotomy to establish an airway.
During endotracheal intubation, visualizing the epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages helps guide the tube into the trachea and avoid esophageal placement.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the question's requirement: you need to find the INCORRECT match, not the correct ones.
Systematically review each option, recalling the specific shape associated with each laryngeal cartilage.
Recall: Thyroid = Shield, Cricoid = Signet Ring, Arytenoid = Pyramid, Epiglottis = Leaf.
Compare your knowledge with the pairs provided in the options.
Option A (Pyramidal - Arytenoid) is correct. Option B (Shield - Thyroid) is correct. Option D (Oblong leaf - Epiglottis) is correct.
Option C pairs 'Cricoid cartilage' with 'Cuneiform script shape'. This is a mismatch, as the cricoid is ring-shaped. This makes it the incorrect pair and thus the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomy of laryngeal cartilages and their characteristic shapes.
Stem keywords: larynx, cartilage, shape, Arytenoid, Thyroid, Cricoid, Epiglottis
Lead-in keywords: Select, INCORRECTLY matched pair
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the INCORRECTLY matched pair.

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 94-96

Practise the full DSSSB 13 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.