No trachea is palpable below the cricoid cartilage. Cricoid Cartilage Control&colon; This figure demonstrates control of the position of the cricoid cartilage. The pharynx joins the esophagus at the esophageal inlet which is behind the cricoid cartilage. Cricoid pressure may frequently be applied incorrectly. Cricoid force greater than 40 N can compromise airway patency and make tracheal intubation difficult. This ligament's main purpose is to keep the cricoid and thyroid from traveling too far. The lateral plate mesoderm consists of the laryngeal cartilages (arytenoid and cricoid). Examples include the rings of the trachea, such as the cricoid cartilage and carina. Fractures of the cricoid cartilage can be seen after manual strangulation also known as throttling. It does not completely encircle the larynx (only the cricoid cartilage encircles it). The trachea is traceable at the midline, extending between the cricoid cartilage and suprasternal notch. Inferior to the Adam's apple is the cricoid cartilage. The thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage lie just above the gland, below the Adam's apple. As all techniques, cricoid pressure has indications, contraindications and side effects. At the top of the trachea the cricoid cartilage attaches it to the larynx.