Membrane incised during hemilaryngectomy is
**Core Concept**
A hemilaryngectomy, also known as a partial laryngectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the larynx to treat laryngeal cancer. The procedure requires precise dissection and incision to minimize damage to surrounding structures. The correct answer will be related to the anatomical structures involved in this procedure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
During a hemilaryngectomy, the surgical incision is made to preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is responsible for innervating the intrinsic muscles of the larynx. The correct incision is made in the **thyrohyoid membrane**, which is a fibroelastic tissue that connects the greater cornu of the hyoid bone to the upper border of the thyroid cartilage. This incision allows for access to the larynx while minimizing damage to the surrounding structures.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the **thyroepiglottic ligament** is a fibrous structure that connects the epiglottis to the thyroid cartilage and is not incised during a hemilaryngectomy.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the **hyothyroid membrane** is a fibrous structure that connects the hyoid bone to the thyroid cartilage, but it is not the primary incision site during a hemilaryngectomy.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the **cricothyroid membrane** is a fibrous structure that connects the cricoid cartilage to the thyroid cartilage, but it is not the primary incision site during a hemilaryngectomy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to identify and preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve during a hemilaryngectomy to prevent postoperative voice changes and maintain laryngeal function.
**Correct Answer:** C.