Cricoid Cartilage Level — FRCA Primary MCQ
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Correct answer: E — C6
The correct answer is E, C6. In the standard adult anatomical description, the lower border of the cricoid cartilage lies at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. This marks the inferior limit of the larynx and the beginning of the trachea; posteriorly, the pharynx continues as the oesophagus at approximately the same level. C3 is classically associated with the hyoid bone, while the thyroid cartilage occupies approximately C4–C5, making C4 and C5 plausible distractors. C7 is too caudal for the conventional landmark. The precise vertebral relationship varies with sex, age, posture and neck position, but C6 remains the expected FRCA anatomical answer.
Reference: Royal College of Anaesthetists. Guide to the FRCA Examination, clinical science anatomy answer: anatomy relevant to percutaneous tracheostomy, 2020. https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/media/49226